Madeline Emma (Clark) Willey, 95, died of cancer, on March 31, 2012 in Quaboag Rehabilitation Skilled Care Center.
She was born in Ludlow, MA the daughter of the late Leroy M. and Irene (Allen) Clark. She is predeceased by her husband, Ralph Willey in 1998 and her first husband, John G. Barkman, Sr. in 1974; a daughter, Susan M. Cassady in 2010; a sister, Hazel Clough; brothers Harold and Howard Clark.
Madeline is survived by her son, John G. Barkman, USN(RET), and his wife Julianne F. of South Barre; son-in-law, David J. Cassady U.S.M.C. (RET) of Freedom, NH; stepchildren Richard Willey, Elaine Bloom and Pauline Johnson; a brother, Warren Clark of West Brookfield and sister, Betty Ann Clark of St. Petersburg, FL.; brother-in-law Arthur Willey of Vermont; 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter ; many loving nieces nephews.
Madeline woked for many years at Paul Revere Life Insurance Co. and was a longtime Barre Gazette staff member. She was a Past Mother Advisor, Barre Assembly No. 114, Rainbow Girl for 30 years; member of Cradle Rock Chapter NO. 125, Order of the Eastern Star and past Matron; life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post #2 and a member of the Barre Business Association for 41 years. She was 2002 Citizen of The Year and received a Citation from the Massachusetts State Senate.
Madeline devoted her life to enriching the lives of others. She raised two successful children and assisted on many occasions in the raising her grandchildren. As Rainbow mother advisor, she guided many young girls to successful and productive lives. Madeline had
the ability to see the good in everyone and the demeanor to bring it out of them.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday April 3, 2012 from 4-7PM in Pillsbury Funeral Home, 96 S.Barre Rd., Barre. The funeral will be held on Wednesday at 11:00AM in the Barre Congregational Church Park St., Barre. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Barre Rainbow Girls, Barre Assembly #114, c/o Christine Durgin, 54 Barre Road, Petersham, MA. 01366-9731.