Madge Burt Vining

COLUMBIA

Madge Burt (Alexander) Vining, 94, of Columbia, CT, beloved wife of the late Jack Harrison Vining, passed away peacefully in her home on Columbia Lake on February 9, 2026. She was born November 29, 1931, in Atlanta, GA, to Hooper Alexander Jr. and Margaret McCann (Miller) Alexander.

Madge was the granddaughter of the late Honorable Hooper Alexander Sr., former US district Attorney of GA and Amelia Hutchens Alexander and Hampton and Madge Burt Miller of Florida. She was raised in Decatur, GA, Jackson, MS, Asheville, NC and Monticello FL.

Madge met Jack, the soulmate of her life, in Puerto Rico, and became engaged to him there. They were married in 1958 and shared a life together in Hartford, Bristol and then Columbia, CT. They also owned homes in Freeport, Grand Bahama and Siesta Key, FL.

Madge was a professional educator and taught elementary school as well as college courses in Atlanta, GA, Norwich and Willimantic, CT and San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was an active and popular substitute teacher in the Windham Public schools until 2000. After retirement she and Jack traveled over much of the USA and cruised to many foreign countries. She enjoyed crafts, bridge, crossword puzzles and traveling.

Madge graduated from Florida State University in 1953. She also attended Auburn University to start a Zeta Tau Alpha sorority chapter. She received a master's degree from Eastern Connecticut State University where she was an adjunct professor in educational computing. At FSU, she was an aerialist with the student circus and a member of the Dolphins, a synchronized swimming group. She enjoyed her college summers working as an underwater performer for glass bottom boats and waitress at Wakulla Springs Hotel in FL. Madge was active in her local Congregational Church and Lucayan Presbyterian Kirk. She was a member of the Greater Hartford ZTA Alumnae Chapter and served on the board of directors for Island Resort in the Bahamas for 20 years.

Madge is survived by her four children and their spouses/partners: Mark Vining (Laurie Crisafi) of Columbia, Debbie Vining-Forde (Jim Forde) of Stamford, CT, Jack (Jay) Vining Jr. (Sue Rettenmeyer) of Bolton, Lynsie Vining White (David White) of Columbia. The delights of her life were her 8 Grandchildren: James Harrison Forde (Laura) and Jacqueline Schae Tatera (Mark), Jessica Elizabeth Vining, Triplets, Kyle Jackson, Scott Alexander and Nicole Vining Baldini (Joey), Vic White and River White and great-grandson, Owen James Forde. Madge is also survived by her sister, Jessie Alexander Busby, sisters-in-law, Emmie Alexander Hancock and Marilyn Svenson Alexander, special beloved cousin, Varley Miller Simmons of GA, and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Madge was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Jack, in February 2019. She was also predeceased by her parents, brother, Hooper Alexander III, sister, Amelia Word Ecker, brother in-laws, Richard Busby Jr and William Ecker Jr as well as nephew, Geoffrey Ecker.

The family would also like to thank her caregiver, Erica, for her support over the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to First Presbyterian Church of Monticello, Fl., FSU Flying High Circus, or the charity of ones choice.

Madge Burt (Alexander) Vining