Madeline F. Denham

Madeline F. (Cute) Denham, 88, of Quinton Avenue, South Attleboro, died on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at her residence surrounded by the love of her family. She was the wife of the late Robert Shaw Denham, Sr. who died on Tuesday, August 26, 2008. Mr. and Mrs. Denham were married on July 26, 1939 and cherished the celebration of their 69th wedding anniversary in July.

Born in the Rumford section of East Providence, Rhode Island on May 14, 1920, she was a daughter of the late Christopher J. and Sarah (Kelley) Cute. She was raised and educated in East Providence. Mrs. Denham resided in the Attleboro and South Attleboro communities since 1939.

A devoted and dedicated homemaker to her family, she had also been employed as a sales clerk for numerous local retailers including Woolworths, My Lady’s and London’s Department Store all in Attleboro prior to her retirement.

Mrs. Denham attended the former Bethany Congregational Church in South Attleboro.

Her entire life evolved around the immeasurable love she showered her family and they in return to her.

Mrs. Denham’s door was always open to family and friends and she treasured the times spent in their company and she always demonstrated a “never say no attitude” that has been passed on to future generations.

Her family recalls with fondness and love the vacations they shared together and the famous family Sunday dinners that provided endless food and countless story sharing.

Her home was her paradise and she was most comfortable entertaining her husband, children, grandchildren and, in later years, great grandchildren. Homemade meals made from scratch the “old fashioned” way, spending time in the garden, solving word search puzzles, sewing and needlepoint were among her favorite pastimes.

At the young age of 80, she took to the personal computer and used it excessively and it was difficult to take her away from creating correspondence or playing computer games and puzzles.

A devout Boston Red Sox fan, she was a “fair weather” New England Patriots fan.

She leaves three children: Robert S. Denham, Jr. of South Attleboro; Carolyn (Denham) McEleney of Attleboro and Nancy L. (Denham) Bird of Pomfret Center, Connecticut; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; extended family members and members of the Denham family. She was the maternal grandmother of the late David M. Laporte, Jr. who died on August 22, 2004. Mrs. Denham was the sister of the late Herbert Cute, Mary Wessels and James Cute all who died at the age of 67.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Sunday, November 9, 2008 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the “Memorial Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home – the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right, ¾ mile on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.

Those in need of a ride to visitation may simply call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation.

Funeral services to which family and friends are welcome to attend will be held on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM in the “Memorial Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home – the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right, ¾ mile on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro with the Rev. Phillip Goff, Pastor of the Grafton Baptist Church, Mrs. Denham’s nephew, officiating.

Burial will follow in Newell Burying Ground, South Attleboro.

Following cemetery services guests will be invited to join the family for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments at a location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mrs. Denham’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.

For additional information or to send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an on-line register book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.