Madeline J. (Jaquith) Edmonds, of Melrose, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2010 at the Wakefield Care & Rehabilitation Center after enduring a long illness. She was 90 years of age. Born on July 10, 1919, in Newton, the eldest daughter to the late Fred & Margaret (Toner) Jaquith, Madeline grew up on Hobson St., in Brighton, MA. Her life was shaped by not only the Great Depression, but also the selfless charitable work her mother performed, often with Madeline in tow, and old New England family values and work ethic. She graduated of Brighton High School in 1936 and continued her education at Bryant & Stratton Business School. After graduating with an Associate's Degree in 1938, she was employed by the firm Meyer Dana, Inc. at 44 School St., Boston. She was recognized for her aptitude in the lost art of shorthand and stenography and was much loved and valued by the Dana family. She met her husband Walter Edmonds at the Brigham's located on the first floor of the building where she worked. Their courtship and engagement was interrupted by World War II for several years. Thankfully, Walter returned from overseas and they married at St. Joseph's Church in Belmont on a cold wet January 26, 1946. Nothing, however, could dampen her happiness or diminish her sparkling smile. As a couple, Madeline and Walter lived in Milwaukee, Winconsin, followed by Roslindale, MA and finally settled in Melrose, in 1955. There they raised their four children through the Melrose School System and through higher education. She cultivated warm and respectful relationships with neighbors and fellow parishioners of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, including being a member of the Women's Guild and neighborhood Bridge Club. She was also active in the local school PTA, Bluebirds, and Brownies. After a time being a full time mother, Madeline returned to work as an office manager, secretary and bookkeeper in the construction equipment industry. The working men adored and respected her for her kindness, respectfulness, and diligence in making sure the payroll got done and the "guys" were paid correctly and on time. In the 1960's, Madeline became active in the National Women in Construction Organization, serving in national leadership capacity. It was with this group that Madeline made more friends and had a chance to travel, which she loved. All the while, she remained a loving and patient mother and wife. She was always ready with a lilting giggle, bell-like laugh, clear blue eyes and a smile that lit up a room. She inspired her family with her faith and courage. Her fondest memories included: growing up with friends in Brighton, visiting her father's farm in Jaffery, NH, and family time at Swift's Beach, Wareham amid "cousin-by-the-dozens". It is with great love and devotion that her family shares their memories of Madeline: wife, mother, grandmother, "Gammoo", and great grandmother. Mrs. Edmonds was the beloved wife of Walter L. Edmonds with whom they shared 65 years of marriage. Cherished mother of Deborah E. O'Connor & her husband Richard of Nahant, Walter L. "Leo" Edmonds III & his wife Sarah Barnes Edmonds of VA, Alan E. Edmonds of Stoneham and Audrey E. Stone & her husband Robert of NC. Sister Margaret "Peggy" Wischmeyer of Rochester, NY and the late Fred "Ted" Jaquith. She was also preceded in death by her best friend of over 75 years, Ann White Neal. Madeline's pride and joy were always her grandchildren, Kelly Lynch, Tammy O'Connor, Emily & Jacob Edmonds & Meredith Stone & 2 Great grandsons, Sean & Brendan Lynch & several nieces & nephews. Long time member of Women in Construction. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Monday, February 22nd at 9AM. Funeral Mass in Madeline's memory will be celebrated in Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1055 Main St., Wakefield at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours on Saturday, February 20th from 2-4PM. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham. The family would like to thank the attentive & compassionate care of the staff of Wakefield Care & Rehabilitation Center. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Madeline's memory may be made to Catholic Relief Services "Help for Haiti" P.O. Box 17090 Baltimore, MD 21203 or Partners in Health "Stand with Haiti" P.O. Box 845578 Boston, MA 02284. For directions or to sign guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com