Published in the July 15, 2016 edition
WAKEFIELD — Madeline T. (Fitzgerald) “Gerry” Redmond, of Wakefield and formerly of Everett, passed away peacefully at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading on Saturday, July 9, at age 88.
Madeline, lovingly known by “Gerry” was born on September 28, 1927 in Somerville, daughter of the late William and Catherine (Brady) Fitzgerald. She was raised in Somerville where she graduated from Somerville High School. In 1953, she married John Redmond and they settled in Everett to raise a family of eight. She was a deeply devoted wife who did everything she could to help her husband and children.
Gerry was a fun loving, sociable woman who loved a good laugh. Living in the same house in Everett for nearly 50 years, she became part of the community and loved her neighbors. Gerry was a longtime active parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish in Everett where she was a member of the Ladies Sodality. She also served as past president of the Everett Emblem Club where she was actively involved with many events and fundraisers over the years.
In her free time, she and John enjoyed weekends away on Cape Cod, or bus trips with family and friends with St. Theresa’s Travel Club.
True to her Irish heritage, Gerry enjoyed entertaining and cooking for family and friends. Holidays were celebrated around the dining room table with lots of food and laughter. She was well known for her famous Irish bread, potato salad, and Sunday afternoons meant big roast beef dinners.
In addition to her love for her family, Gerry’s passion for music, in particular the piano was well known. She loved music especially big bands, and found great joy in playing the piano. She was always playing at the house for holidays, events and parties. Gerry will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Gerry was the beloved wife of the late John J. Redmond Sr. with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of John Redmond and his wife Pat of Medford, Patrice Chiavelli and her husband Steve of Wakefield, Joyce Crary and her husband Bruce of Newburyport, Mary Redmond of Stoneham, Paul Redmond and his wife Patricia of Wakefield, Beth McDonough and her husband Tim of Westwood, the late Barry Redmond, and the late James Redmond. Cherished grandmother of Stephen Chiavelli, Lindsay Chiavelli, Sam Crary, Kristina Redmond, Patrick Redmond, Madeline McDonough, and Michael McDonough.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Gerry’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, July 14 from 4-8 p.m., and again on Friday morning at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for her funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m.
Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
Gifts in Gerry’s memory may be made to Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice, 178 Savin St., Ste. 300, Malden MA 02148, or to the Sawtelle Family Hospice House, 320 Haverhill St., Reading MA 01867. For online tribute, or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
