Obituary of Madelyn Faye Spidle

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Madelyn Faye Spidle, age 86 at the Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg on Sunday November 14, 2021.

Formerly of Parkdale, she had the wonderful opportunity of residing at Pineview Apartments, Bridgewater, where she made many new friends. After an unfortunate fall, Madelyn then resided for a short time at Harbour View Haven, Lunenburg. Early in her life she had worked in Halifax at the Moirs Chocolate Factory along with a few of her friends and at Camp Kadimah in Scarsdale. Madelyn married at the young age of 17 to Alton – a marriage which lasted 65 years – and raised 3 young children all while having to manage the household and outside chores as well as being a caregiver to several family members while Alton was away at work. She was also the community and surrounding area hairdresser/barber for many years giving many a child their first haircut. Every fall for many years she would travel to the valley for apple picking. She would often speak of the cold frosty mornings and sometimes the snow on the ground but looked forward to spending time and having the many laughs with her sister Phyllis and friends. There was always a meal ready for the family at home while she was away. For a few years Madelyn took in boarders who worked on the crushers while road work was being done locally. Many nights she was up until 2 a.m. preparing meals and making sure the men and family had a packed lunch and fresh homemade bread. She was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church and choir, Parkdale and also belonged to the community women’s institute, volunteered with the many community events, suppers, festivals, etc. Madelyn also held the title of cross-cut sawing champion for a few years along with her friend Edna Grimm which was held at the Parkdale-Maplewood Field Day grounds.

Madelyn enjoyed the many visits from her valley family having many picnics and birthday celebrations. Many a Sunday was spent on Sherbrooke Lake in the 14 foot aluminum boat while Alton fished for grey trout and Madelyn would sunbath in her two-piece bathing suit on the bottom of the boat lathered in baby oil. She was an amazing cook, baker and served many many delicious family meals.  Anyone who ever visited was always asked to stay for a meal and if they had the opportunity to sit at the table was always in for a delicious treat. Madelyn was well known for her spud nuts and mincemeat. Madelyn enjoyed travelling – some of her favourite were to Manitoba, PEI, Maine, New Hampshire and Bermuda – but also dearly loved the little day trips to visit family, the family holiday meals and eating out in a restaurant. One of her favourite foods was lobster and potato salad usually a Mother’s Day special.

Madelyn was a hard worker, devoted wife and mother and a friend to many. She always enjoyed the little things in life, her family visiting on Christmas day, birthday celebrations, the pop in visits by neighbours, going to variety shows with her friends and to even making a TikTok video on her 86^th birthday with her grandchildren. She took great pride in her appearance – always looking immaculate wherever she went which was acknowledged by many people she met along the way. Most importantly, Madelyn deeply loved and was so proud of her family - always eager to introduce you to everyone she met. She was a good friend to many and will be deeply missed. You were a beautiful lady and will always be forever in our hearts.

Surviving are her children, Bradford (Patty) Spidle, New Germany; Terry (Cathy) Spidle, Pinehurst and Wanda (Roger) Leary, Watford. Grandchildren, Candace (John) Swain, Jamie Fisher, Scott Spidle, Jennifer (Greg) LeBlanc, Ashlee (Jason) Varner; great grand-children, Abigail Swain, Arianna Spidle, Riley Spidle, Alexa Swain, Aleya and Braydon LeBlanc and Gwen Varner; brother Lloyd (Marie) Jodrey, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Percy and Frances Jodrey she was predeceased by her husband, Alton Spidle;  sister, Phyllis Beck and a sister in infancy; brothers, Orlin Joudrey, Medford Joudrey; grandson, Stephen Spidle.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home by request. Private family service will be held at the Parkdale-Maplewood Community Cemetery, Parkdale. Rev. Sam Jess officiating. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church of Parkdale-Maplewood, Parkdale-Maplewood Community Cemetery or charity of choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 4895 Highway 10, New Germany.

We the family would like to extend a thank you to Dr. Raymond and staff of Harbour View Haven for their wonderful care during her brief time there. A special thank you to Dr. Sibley, Dr. Cole and the excellent nurses at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital for all the compassion and support for Madelyn and her family. No words can express the appreciation we feel.

Thank you from the family.