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Madeleine S. (Richard) Lowry OBITUARY June 5, 1928 – February 18, 2025 Madeleine S. (Richard) Lowry, 96, a pillar of the Cromwell community passed away, entered the gates of heaven on February 18, 2025.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of over 50 years, William D. Lowry. Madeleine Richard was born on June 5, 1928, to Henry and Stella (Lebrun) Richard.
She was the eldest of four children, including Jaqueline (Sodegren), Patricia, and Henry. Her formative years were spent in Keene and Rochester, New Hampshire, and Portland, Maine. Madeleine was an exceptional student and a member of the National Honor Societies at three high schools.
She married her husband, William D. Lowry III, in Rochester, New Hampshire in 1950, and they subsequently relocated to Connecticut. Madeleine’s first employment was with G Fox & Company as the John Roberts Powers Girl, where she sold cosmetics.
She concluded her working career at Covenant Village, driving the Senior bus to appointments and activities. After initially residing in East Harford and Wethersfield, they settled in Cromwell in 1957. Together, they raised three children: William IV, Patricia (Russo), and David.
Madeleine was gifted with a beautiful, creative, and scientific mind. She was always inquisitive, constantly reading and learning. Her life was spent creating beautiful hand-sewn clothing, quilts, draperies, slipcovers, and more.
She also enjoyed knitting and looming her own fabrics, often winning ribbons at fairs. A passionate gardener, Madeleine earned her master gardener designation from UCONN and frequently helped others at the Extension Service. Her green thumb was evident in the flowers and food she nurtured and grew over the years.
For years, she ran a 4-H Club in her basement, teaching many Cromwell girls how to sew. She volunteered extensively, serving as a long-term treasurer for many town clubs and committees. In 1998, she was recognized as the Cromwell Junior Women’s Club Woman of the Year.
Madeleine was actively involved with the Cromwell Historical Society, the library, the Board of Education, and the In-Land Wetlands Board, where she served in her 80s. She was also a dedicated member of her St. John church family and the Cromwell community.
Madeleine was dedicated to spending time with her family and engaging in volunteer work alongside them. She served as Mrs. Claus in the Middlefield for the annual tree lighting event for several years.
Throughout her life, despite facing challenges such as cancer and stroke, her faith and church provided her with resilience, and the Women’s Guild became a significant support network. Madeleine took pride in her role as a eucharistic minister, maintaining a positive attitude and embodying the presence of God through her actions. Her gratitude for those around her was evident, and she often expressed her thanks through prayer.
She is survived by ten grandchildren and nine, soon to be ten, great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of a life well-lived and filled with love. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26th at 10:00 am at St. John’s Church, 5 St John’s Court, Cromwell, CT A burial will follow in Cromwell Hillside Cemetery West.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Madeleine’s memory can be made to Friends of the Cromwell Belden Library, 39 West Street, Cromwell, CT 06416. Cromwell Funeral Home has care of the arrangements. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.
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