Obituaries
Obituary for Elizabeth "Betty" Madigan
Elizabeth Lucille Tefft Madigan PEORIA-Betty Madigan, 78, of Peoria, passed away at 4:48 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2009, at her home, surrounded by her loving brother and children. She fought a courageous battle against cancer. Betty was born in Chicago to Arthur H. “Art” and Mary Ethel (Mae) Morlock Tefft on December 9, 1930. She married Jim Madigan in 1950 in Chicago, where they made their home until 1969, when they moved to Peoria. He passed away on December 26, 2008 in Peoria. Betty was a gentle, humble spirit. She always had a kind, encouraging word for everyone. She had a selfless attitude and served with a happy heart in her home, church and community. She was always willing to volunteer; Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Glen Oak School, S.P.E.C., funeral lunches, cleaning the church, Eucharistic ministry, Bergan High School, Catholic Charities and anywhere she saw a need. Betty enjoyed a variety of interests including, bowling, golf, bridge, pinochle, crocheting, Women’s Apostolate and any activity her children and grandchildren were involved in. But her greatest interest and joy was her family. She had one brother, twelve children, eight sons-in-law, four daughters-in-law, forty-two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. All of whom she loved completely. She had the ability to make everyone feel special and loved. Betty was known for her card sending. She would always remember special occasions of family and friends with a card. Her holiday cards to her grandchildren with its crisp $1 bill will be greatly missed, not for the money, but for the love it represented. Dinners and get togethers for fifty people was the norm, in fact she would say,” Only 42, where is everyone?” She loved our Christmas Eve celebration with all seventy-eight family members. Her greatest gift to her children and grandchildren was the example of her marriage. She and Jim had a loving, strong marriage. He was the love of her life and she was his love. They worked along side each other in the family business, Rapid Print, for many years before retiring and passing the business to their son, Tom. She leaves behind one brother, George (Adeline) Tefft of Colorado; twelve children, Jim (Peggy) of Oak Park, Denise (Bob) Madigan-Renner of Peoria, Michael of Colorado, Maureen (Tim) Hubley of Glen Ellyn, Dan (Kathy) of Colorado, Joe (Genia) of New Mexico, Mary (Phil)Lamb of Peoria, Tom (Cindy) of Peoria, Anne (Tim) Cusack of Peoria, Ellen (Shawn) Faye of Indiana, Rita (John) Waller of Peoria and Beth (Scott) Milstedt of Normal; son-in-law, Gene Mialkowski; forty-two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom felt they were her favorite. Betty loved her God, her husband, her family, and friends. She will be greatly missed by all. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, Catholic Women’s League, St. Vincent de Paul Women’s Guild and Catholic Women’s Apostolate of Mt. Alverno. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at St. Vincent de Paul Church with Rev. Dustin Schultz officiating. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Monday at Wright & Salmon Mortuary with a scripture service at 8 p.m. Additional visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or OSF Hospice. Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com
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