Published March 12, 2021
MELROSE — Jean Elizabeth (Madden) Wirtanen, a lifelong Melrose resident, died peacefully surrounded by family on March 5, 2021 at the age of 89.
Jean was born in Melrose on November 15, 1931 to Thomas and Margaret (Brooks) Madden. She was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School. Jean enjoyed going for walks and long car rides, as well as shopping. She also had many pets over the years that she loved taking care of. But most of all, Jean loved her grandchildren. She would take them on adventures to the zoo and many other places. She was so proud of them all.
Jean was the beloved wife of the late Walter Wirtanen. She was the loving mother of Thomas Gunn and his wife Lucille, Margaret Deborah Stamegna and her husband Joseph, Pamela Daye and her husband Timothy, Nancy Ruggiero, Richard Wirtanen and his wife Stephanie, and the late John “Jackie” Wirtanen. She was the proud grandmother of Joseph, Bonnie, Lauren, Daniel, Kristen, Stephanie, Matthew, Richard, Kaitlyn, John and Danielle. Great-grandmother of Colin, Tyler, Bryana, Joey, Julian, Gianna, and Samuel.
She was predeceased by her six siblings: Thomas Madden, Daniel Madden, Richard Madden, Margaret Donohue, Eileen Bertoulin and Eleanor Rodgers.
Funeral services will be held privately with Jean’s family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s name to the Home Health Foundation, c/o Merrimack Valley Hospice, Attn: Community Engagement, 360 Merrimack St., Building 9, Lawrence, MA 01843.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
