Madeleine Gatchell Corson
April 2, 1937 ~ April 29, 2024
Resided in:
Yarmouth, Maine
Little John Island- Madeleine “Maddy” Jean Gatchell Corson
April 2, 1937- April 29, 2024.
I came into this world on April 2, 1937 at the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary in Portland, Maine to my mother, Alice Madeleine Gannett Gatchell, who died 11 days after my birth. My father, Creighton Everett Gatchell, originally of Harpswell, Maine, lived with me in the garage apartment at my grandparent's Shore Road home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. When I was four, my father married my mother’s first cousin, Henrietta. She became my new mother gave me three brothers, Gatch d. 1993, Bill, and Frank. My brothers later married and gave me sisters.
Jumping back to when I was young, I went to Mrs. York’s Kiddie Camp in Cape Elizabeth for several summers before I started first grade at Waynflete School, where I met my future husband, John Alden Corson-Jay. When we married, I gained a brother, David d. 1998 and his future wife.
At Waynflete, I was mischievous all the way through eighth grade. After school, I would take the other Girl Scouts into the prohibited kitchen for snacks. It was fun and exciting because it wasn’t allowed. For ninth grade, I was sent to Wellesley, Massachusetts to attend Dana Hall School. When I entered the new dorm, I noticed the door had my middle name, Jean, rather than Maddy. That was the point when I decided I could reinvent myself as Jean, with no one having a preconceived idea that I was going to cause trouble. I lived the next four years as a new girl named Jean. I graduated from Dana Hall in 1955 with the knowledge that I wanted to be a teacher. Actually, I had known I wanted to teach since I had worked at Mrs. York’s Kiddie Camp.
When I went to Wheelock, a teacher’s college, in Boston, my father gave me life changing advice. (Advice that has held me in good stead.) He told me to remember that many people are shy and if you are the first to speak and show friendship it will help you feel less shy. When I realized this was true, I put myself out there and saw that this built community. This philosophy stayed with me throughout my life.
I graduated in 1959, married and moved to Burlington, Vermont where we welcomed our sons, Ben and Will d. 2014. Later we moved to Quebec, Canada and welcomed our daughters, Ellen and Beth. Ben, Ellen and Beth have given me thoughtful grandchildren who have enriched my life. I had always wanted to be a mother and felt it helped develop certain characteristics in my personality that later held me in good stead in the non-profit and business world. In 1974, we moved to Hanover, NH where I started working within the community service sector. My first foray into non-profit life was helping with the creation of River Bank Recipes which raised money for a project at the local high school. In 1985, I moved my full-time life to the Portland, Maine area to become more involved in my family-owned business, which later became Guy Gannett Communications. Inspired by my father, Creighton’s, involvement with the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Maine, I volunteered, became a board member and ultimately the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Maine gave me the honor of becoming a lifetime member.
Around that same time, I became active with my first non-profit board experiences at the MS Society and what was at the time Portland Concert Association which is now Ovations. Looking back, when I became a board member, I felt that I wasn’t knowledgeable. Honestly, I was scared to death. When I delved into my new life in Maine, I was 50 years old. Please realize that in my day, women were urged to make fewer life choices. From this perspective, I was met with challenges in various fields of business and non-profits. One way I prepared myself was to listen to cassette tapes about business. I learned that many of the same concepts were repeated. With all the new learning experiences, I was creating what I call my resume of life. Being born into the family-owned business propelled me into my future.
I was not afraid to learn about new ideas and issues. At the time, AIDS was very controversial, and nobody wanted to talk about it. I was asked by my Aunt Jean to help plan a massive fundraiser for AIDS with Frannie Peabody. Inspired by this work, I never stopped being involved with non-profit organizations and enjoy connecting people with projects. I helped the young people, as I call them, take steps into the various non-profit sectors.
I was mentored by Bettsanne Holmes and learned more about the importance of encouraging people. Looking back on my life I have enjoyed being involved with startups and turn arounds hoping to be a positive agent to set the tone for cultural change. When I took on new projects in unfamiliar fields, I would say to myself, “One foot in front of the other.” As I would take that step, I would hope to build my confidence. Remember, each step expands your experience.
I have been involved with and honored by so many organizations--it has all been a team effort!
I’m still fundraising and making connections. I don’t plan on stopping yet.
Until right now when of course I must be dead.
I hope you are smiling because it has been great-My wonderful life with all of you.
As I enter the final phase of this journey of life, I am in awe and wonder about what is to come.
If I was going into a great regret mode, I would be very sorry not to watch you go through your lives, and I hope, somehow, I'll see you- from somewhere- as my spirit flies around and rests on my loved ones -
Please know, I am cheering you on-I pray for that! To still be involved-as I love to be an active Grammy and Maddy!
There will be no funeral because I am on my last flight to Recompose in Seattle for natural organic reduction composting -my final connecting endeavor to encourage a greener earth for my grandchildren and all of you.
I hope you will gather in individual groups with love and fun in your hearts reminiscing of your time with me.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. In lieu of flowers, please always find ways to carry on the missions you are passionate about and give donations to the charity of your choice. To view my memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
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Losing grammy is like losing my foundation in life. She supported and mentored so many. What a blessing to have known her.
Maddy was a longtime supporter of MaineShare, where I work, and I happened to meet her a couple years ago at Intermed Yarmouth. Before I knew who she was, I could tell her kind aura, and how she sweetly she interacted with everyone around her. I was so glad to put the face to the name, and to meet this woman who made such a difference in the state. Our brief interaction has stayed with me, and I was saddened to hear of her passing. My condolences are with her family- she was truly one in a million. Thank you, Maddy.
This obit exudes Maddy’s warmth, spirit, and philosophy on life. So Maddy… I have known her for decades and was shocked, and honored, to get one of those calls. We reminisced about Deering Oaks and her attendance, as a girl, at an early Children’s Theater performance in the Oaks. A longtime members of Friends of Deering Oaks, I told her that we would plant a tree in her memory. She was very touched,. We will miss you, dear Maddy,, one of a kind and a real inspiration…
When I was a child Beth and Ellen and I would invent short plays with blankets and towels for costumes and we would perform them for Maddy and other family members and guests. When we reconnected as adults in our 50s, one of the very first things Ellen and Beth and I did was to invent and perform yet another fun play with costumes for Maddy.
Maddy’s presence in my life always uplifted & encouraged me. I will hold her as a model to be inspired by. May her memory inspire all.
I didn’t really know Madeline Corson but met her once at a newspaper carrier celebration of all the student newspaper carriers of the year – my daughter Gretchen was a carrier of the month that year. Madeline Corson was there and was so absolutely engaging and kind. I will never forget that – she made my daughter and the other student carriers feel like they mattered. And, they did to her. God’s speed Madeline Corson – you did good here on planet earth!! I am sure you are receiving your angel wings as I write this!
Sincerely and with gratitude for all you did for so many people,
Betsy Hart
Maddy and my mom were friends here at Marina Bay. Mom left this earth 10 years ago and I moved into the condo. Maddy and I connected immediately and she said she’d be my 2nd mom and to this day, I’ll call her mom2.
We are all deeply enriched by Maddy being a part of our lives. She was a powerhouse of a human being and will be missed for the rest of our lives. My condolences to all who loved her. May we be more like Maddy.
Thanks for watching us from above. We love you and miss you so…
Maddy was the founder of the Maine Family Business Awards and our great mentor and angel for the Institute for Family-Owned Business.
We’re sending lots of love and hugs from her IFOB family to her own family and friends!
I was saddened by the news of Maddie’s passing. Our paths crossed many years ago when I first got elected to the Portland City Council in the early 1980’s.
Remembering our friendship has wonderful memories for me especially those of the Children’s Theatre. Please accept my most sincere heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Sincerely, my deepest sympathy to the whole family 🤲💖
Maddy and I had many adventures, canoeing down the Saco River, Horse buggy rides in San Diego, boat rides in the canals in Fort Lauderdale, many movies, retreats in North Conway, kayaking off Little John’s, and my favorite is going to Moosehead Lake where we hiked to the third pool in “Gulf Hagas” and went swimming in the pool! The next day Maddy talked with a local who was cooking outside and we stayed for dinner having homemade beans and hotdogs 😅 I miss you Maddy💖
Maddy had a gift for connecting. She believed in people before they believed in themselves, and her confidence and enthusiasm were contagious. Two words come to mind whenever I think of Maddy: She preferred to “cogitate” on things and was always watching to see how things would “pattern” out. I was a grateful recipient of Maddy’s generosity and many kindnesses at GGC and afterward. Our travels together and long gardening talks are my favorite memories of those times. Deepest condolences to all her family.
I had the pleasure of being involved with several nonprofits in which Maddy was also involved. I loved reading in her obituary her own story of becoming involved in nonprofit work and feeling a need to learn how to do the work well, just as you would in the nonprofit arena.
Maddy was an inspiration to me when I first began board work. I’m sure she led many of us to be more productive, more patient, and more focused on the real goals of the organizations for which we were working.
God bless you Maddy for the amazing work you have done; have no doubt that you will continue to be an influence and to change lives for the better.
I loved that she always called me “my dear boy.”
Maddy was one of the loveliest people I have ever met. She was the type of person who made everyone around her to want to be a better person. I already miss Maddy terribly and will think of her daily. With lots of love, Ned
Maddy was a close friend of my parents and a strong supporter of my father’s run for the Presidency in 1972, as well as his many Senate campaigns. I was a little at the time but she was sweet to me. When I moved to Maine 3 years ago, we reconnected and became close friends❤️
Maddy was one of my very few heroes.
The power of positivity:)
Where do I start?! Maddy accomplished that every single day just by being Maddy!
Maddy was an outstanding public servant who supported causes and people in which she believed.
Her humility❤️
I met Maddy years ago when my daughter, Mo, introduced us at a charity event. Maddy made me smile when she referred to me as her friend whenever we met. She embraced life with such enthusiasm and optimism. It was a pleasure to have known her. R.I.P. my friend.
Sincere condolences to all of the Gatchell and Corson families on the loss of Maddy. May the many years of memories provide lasting happiness!
Love to all,
Frank and Mary Lou Wyman
Union, Maine
I have valued my friendship with Maddy for the past 55 years, since I was her 15 year old summer live in babysitter on Little John’s Island. Her kindness, enthusiasm and care for others will always be fond memories and an inspiration to me. I send my condolences to Ben, Ellen, Beth and their families.
I met Maddy while on a Norwegian cruise in 2015. We were at the same dinner table and her and I were able to have many conversations together as her and I sat next to each other.
Maddy will always be an inspiration to me and hold a special place in my heart. I am so grateful that I met her while in Norway and that we were able to stay in touch the way we did.
Maddy made the world a better place by being herself — a rarity nowadays!
My memories of Maddy in my formative years are clear and bright. She was truly one of those people whose genuine goodwill and human kindness were always at her core and always came with no pretense whatsoever. I will always remember her warm spirit and gentle, knowing smile.
There is no other corporate board chair who modeled love and living life fully more than Maddy Corson. After Jean Gannett Hawley passed the torch, the PPH/MST welcomed an era of cultural transformation, built on integrity, financial growth, and compassion. It took me a while to connect with her quirks. Our conversations ranged from bad pantyhose, the Cumberland Club crabmeat salad and stalled union negotiations. She missed nothing. She wanted everyone to succeed. She wanted things done right, done well and whenever possible win/win. In a quick elevator ride, or walk to her car, she would tuck in some fierce feedback about an issue, lest anyone be confused about her priorities. I loved this about her. She taught me that clarity is a kindness, especially when you sandwich it with a hug. Her generosity was disarming. She thought nothing of telling me I looked tired, and then loaned me her FL condo for a weekend so I didn’t miss my dad’s birthday party. Years later she would introduce me to some of my favorite clients. She asked about my daughter every time we met, offering practical advice. Her family meant everything to her and yet, I often worried that GGC employees stole much of her precious time. Her philosophy about philanthropy was hard baked into her DNA. She knew everything about every non-profit in Greater Portland. If you weren’t giving, you weren’t doing enough. One’s wealth, work or wisdom were expected to be shared. I feel blessed for the years Maddy was in my life, for the love she shared, and the lessons she taught me.
We will be forever grateful to you Maddy for your friendship with our mother, Bettsanne Holmes, (I can still hear you calling her as “Betts”) and with our Dad as well. You and Mom were a force to be reckoned with, two strong women, with great ideas and the ability to see them through to reality. A strong and encouraging role model for so many, your confidence, kind manner and ability to connect with people was so genuine.
A life incredibly well lived! You leave behind a rich legacy in both your family and in the work and people that you touched. Thank you for all that you did to make our world a better place and for being a true and loving friend to so many. Maddy, you are loved and will be deeply missed.
The Holmes Family are very grateful to Maddy for her long and loving presence in our lives. She lived with great compassion and will be missed. Be kind to one another and think of Maddy!
Maddy was a light in this world, and she’ll be missed dearly.
Maddy Corson was Chair of the Board – my boss – when I was President and CEO of Guy Gannett Communications. As such, she did a remarkable thing: She encouraged me and the other executives to embrace LOVE as a corporate value. In the mid-90’s we had perhaps 1,500 employees spread among seven states, and I’ll bet she hugged 1,100 of them. Her motto could have been, “Let’s make work fun.” She also encouraged us early on to invest for a digital future, resulting in our registering “Portland.com” before anyone in the “other Portland” thought to do it. She was a wonderful, loving, visionary woman, unique in my experience. I’ll always treasure her memory. Jim Shaffer
Hello all admirers of Maddy Corson,
Since Maddy and her family do not want a memorial service, in addition to all the wonderful things being said about Maddy here, Lisa DeSisto, CEO of the Maine Trust for Local News, and I, who worked for Maddy as CEO of Guy Gannett Communications, would like to create a permanent testimonial site that will be touted in an ad in the Maine Sunday Telegram on May 12th. We are hoping to collect testimonials of 120 words or less. If you want to help celebrate Maddy’s life in this way, please help us build this site by sending testimonials to me at jamesbshaffer@gmail.com and Stefanie Manning at smanning@metln.org. We hope to collect these testimonials by May 7, and we look forward to helping preserve the memory of Maddy’s values and achievements. Jim Shaffer
I had the privilege of doing consulting work with Guy Gannett during the mid 90s and got to know Maddy. She was a special lady who always invited me into her office and she always remembered me and my work years later when I would see her in the Portland area. I am fortunate to have known her and she is missed by many.
John Shorb
I have some great memories with my aunt, Cubby…Family reunion picnics – so many interesting conversations, a few weekends in VT when my brother & I were little, an amazing barge trip in Europe, a visit in WI are a few. Over the years she’s had a genuine interest in my life & our family & always made me feel special. She would always deep dive right in, no matter how much time passed between us. She would often surprise me with her comments or a story she’d tell. I think she had a connection or would find one with every person she met. Quite a few years ago while on a road trip she visited Wisconsin. It was such fun to have her with us & see our life through her eyes. She claimed to have had the best cup of coffee ever at a rundown (& maybe a little scary) bar in our town. The bar didn’t have coffee or even a coffee pot. So, they found a pan & heated some water & somewhere found her a cup of coffee. She claimed it was the best coffee she had ever had! I loved her perspective on our world. I only wished I could have followed her around & listened in on the conversations she had with people in our small town. I’m sure she learned things about my neighbors that took me years to know or things I’ll never know! She always got to the heart of the matter quickly. I loved that about her. I will miss her love, spark, fearlessness, passion, sense of humor & spirit for life. SHE was an adventure…so “yummy”!
My Mom & Dad were good friends of Maddy and John. As a child we used to spend lots of time with the Corson family, skiing and on the island in Maine. My memories of Maddy and the rest of the family are vivid and cherished. I wish I had searched for Maddy long ago to let her know how much I loved spending time with her when I was young. I’m so glad I came across this page. My love to the family.
“Cubby” was my Stonybrook Rd neighbor. We reconnected years later through the Peabody House and the Ladies Leadership Luncheons. Maddy was always friendly and supportive. Her genuine personality was apparent from her warm heart to beautiful signature smile.
She was always enthusiastic when younger Mainers would decide to settle in Maine as residents to contribute to the future of the state.
A treasure.
Fair weather & following seas ❤️
Remarkable!
I’m so very sorry for the loss of Maddy. She was a wonderful woman & role model!
To truly live!
Maddy was my daughter Madi’s grandmother “in love”
My husband, grandson and I met Maddy after seeing a play at Maddy’s Theatre that she also attended. Ludo (age 4) went up to her after the play and thanked her for building the theatre.
The Covid pandemic was just winding down and he was enthralled by his first live performance experience. We all chatted for a while outside while Ludo ran around the stone laybrith in front of the Museum. It didn’t take long to discover mutual friends and interests. Our meeting stuck with me and has further inspired my non-profit involvement. Ludo looked for Maddy at the next play he went to, and now calls out “there’s Maddy’s Museum” when we drive by. “She was very nice to me, like I was growed up, not just a kid.” I’m sure she made many people feel as special as she did us. Rest peacefully Maddy.
What a gift to have known Maddy, a person who is so fully embodied who she was designed to be on this earth. Form me, seeing her always felt like revisiting childhood. I will miss her very special energy, and will continue to think of her with fondness and love.
Mad Dog as my children would refer to her was beyond amazing. Always available to listen and provide unconditional love. A dear friend for over twenty years. I will miss her greatly. Love you Maddy
Mark H
She believed one must always be positive, even when facing difficulty and adversity. She lived this her whole life.
Maddy was an exceptional individual who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Our grandmothers were sisters. Although I live in Salzburg, Austria, I stayed in touch with Maddy over the years, as did my beloved brother Graham, and through Maddy’s wonderful daughter Beth, who provided loving care in Maddy’s last days.
Always being there for her family.
Loyal
Loving
Family-oriented
Compassionate
Mourn world we have lost Maddie a rare treasure.
Mary Lou Sprague
Maddy touched so many lives in the very best way. I’m grateful I got the chance to know her and call her my friend. Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family during this time.
Love…Michelle Traxler
It was a pleasure to work with and for Maddy. I’m saddened by her passing but inspired by her example. A great lady.
Everyone knows Maddy and Maddy knew everyone. She and I shared a birthday and we thought that was so fun xo
Whatever you are doing now …. I can guarantee Maddy was part of that foundation.
Sending peace and positivity to all of Maddy’s family at this time.
If I can only pick one – it would be one of hers – yummy! Everything good in life was yummy.
Maddy and I connected many times in life through different non-profits. About four years we reconnected for good (as we used to say) volunteering for 100 Women Who Care. She has taught me so much about giving of one’s time and self. I will continue to do so in her memory.
She was a wealth of knowledge and resources.
So many things ….. friendship comes first to mind.
I am so incredibly blessed to have known Maddy, both through the nonprofit world and as a dear friend. We enjoyed a few putters around Casco Bay together, along with Inger. I loved hearing Maddy’s stories and she kept me laughing the whole time. She was adorably irreverent, and full of wisdom, compassion and warmth. My life was richer with Maddy in it, and she is missed terribly.
I will always be grateful for Maddy’s inspirational family picnics, and what they stood for.
Maddy was a true gift to humanity. I will miss her.
There are few people that approached life and others with such joy, acceptance and love. The gift of her approach or attitude that she shared is her eternal legacy. Cubby was so, so dear to us. There are so many specific memories but the over arching joy, kindness and adventure of her is the thread of what will live on. We will miss her so much but feel grateful for all the time we had.
Maddy was my friend. But she was more than that – she was a gift. How lucky I am that this extraordinary woman was part of my life for so long! The lives she touched and changed are countless, the love she gave was endless, and the light she shone on others was brilliant. Truly a woman we shall never forget!
So sorry to hear about Madeline
Wishing your family love and kindness
Madeline would stop in to my bakery over the years and offer great advice
Dearest Maddy, I do know your spirit is swirling around and I felt it this week when I was at the Children’s Museum. You helped make it happen! And so many other things. I treasure the times we got together. You weren’t quite old enough to be my mother but since I lost mine years ago it was so nice to have you in my life. I won’t say you were fearless (no one with any sense is!) but you never let fear or uncertainty stop you. Thank you for sharing your joy, your frankness, warmth, and super energy. It rubbed off on me and I am so grateful. See you at the next place, love, Sue
I’ll never tell!
I met Maddy through Bettsanne Holmes back in the 90’s when I was raising money for UNE. Our friendship grew out of nonprofit work and, over time, we traded confidences, personal challenges and stories of “good days,” In a word, Maddy was TRUE. Her love of people, her enthusiasm for life and passion for lifting up others was authentic to the core. I will sum her up with one of her favorite adjectives-“yummy.”