Hazel Olive Madalinski

She was born Feb. 21, 1920, in Cornell, the daughter of Charles and Emma (Stache) VanDrese and grew up on the family farm in Cornell. She attended the Chandler School in Cornell with many of her siblings and cousins and graduated eighth grade on May 22, 1936. Forty years later on May 26, 1976, Hazel earned her high school diploma from Escanaba Area High School through the Adult High School Completion Program.

Hazel married Walter Madalinski on Sept. 23, 1943, at Holy Family Church in Flat Rock and together enjoyed 64 years of marriage until his death in June, 2008. She was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wells, a life member of the St. Anthony Guild, and a life member of the VFW Auxiliary 2998 Escanaba Post. Hazel was very devoted to her Catholic faith and faithfully committed to praying the rosary daily. She enjoyed playing cards, dancing, and also loved being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Hazel worked many jobs during her lifetime, including time at the Willow Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti, Mich. during World War II. She retired as dinette manager from the Woolworth’s Department Store in 1977.

Hazel was the third member of her immediate family to live beyond the century age, joining her mother Emma (100) and brother Gilbert (102).

She will be greatly missed by her surviving family: sons, Wayne (Mary) of Wells, Dennis (Linda) of Gladstone, and Michael (Ruth) of Escanaba; grandchildren, Kevin (Kristyn) Madalinski, Kelly (Jen) Madalinski, Kerry (Christine) Madalinski, Selena Madalinski Docherty, Brian (Michelle) Madalinski, Amanda (Robert) Stempihar, Justin (Nicole) Madalinski, and Nolan Madalinski; and 13 great-grandchildren (Emily, Jacob, Ava, Nora, Sydney, Riley, Eleanor, Gabrielle, Henry, Oliver, Leo, Brooklyn, and Declan). She is also survived by two brothers, Gilbert VanDrese and Leonard (Marian) VanDrese; sister-in-law, Betty VanDrese; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Harry, Herman, Elmer, and Carlton; and four sisters, Alice Brabazon, Pearl Delvaux, Myrtle Trombley, and Ethyl Cox.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cedar Hills Assisted Living for the loving care, kindness and assistance provided to Hazel for the past six plus years, especially these months during the Covid pandemic and her most recent health problems. Appreciation is extended to Rev. Darryl Pepin, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Rev. Rick Courier, St. Anthony of Padua and St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Deacon Dave Talford and Deacon Mike LeBeau for their many visits and prayers during Hazel’s residence at Cedar Hill. The family also thanks Dr. Maria Araullo-Nagano for her many years of care; and the OSF Hospice nurses for their care and kind words during these recent months of her life.

A private visitation will take place at the Crawford Funeral Homes. A public Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 4 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wells with Rev. Rick Courier officiating. Additional seating for the mass will be available in the lower level of the church where the service will be live streamed.

Burial will be on Friday, Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. in Gardens of Rest Cemetery.

The family respectfully requests that masses or memorials in Hazel’s name be directed to St. Anthony Church.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Madalinski family.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.