Madeline A. Napolitano Obituary (1935 - 2016)

Portland Madeline A. Napolitano, 81, of the Eastern Promenade, died Thursday, December 15, 2016, at her home surrounded by family. Born in Portland on July 1, 1935, Madeline was the daughter of the late William and Julia (Murphy) Kinslow. She was educated from the Cathedral Grammar School and Cathedral High School where she graduated in 1954. Following graduation, Madeline began working for Central Maine Power. It was there where she met Rita Napolitano, who introduced Madeline to her brother, Anthony J. Napolitano. Madeline and Anthony were married at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on November 11, 1961. Together, they started one of the restaurant staples in Portland, Marias Restaurant. Throughout the years, Madeline was very involved in the restaurant as a hostess and bookkeeper. Even into the last few weeks of her life, Madeline was very active in the restaurant. Madeline and her husband raised their children and taught them the importance of having a strong Catholic faith. She was a lifelong communicant of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It was there where she formed a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and to praying the Rosary. She made a daily commitment to pray the Rosary every morning while listening to Bishop Deeley on the Presence Radio. In addition to her faith, she enjoyed her annual Christmas trips to Freeport with her son, Greg, her trips to Canada and North Conway with her husband, and spending time with her family at their camp on Raymond Pond. She was very proud of her Irish and German heritage and she was an excellent cook. Her family recognized that her sauce was better than her Italian husbands, and her cooking was always anticipated at family dinners, especially her Ricotta Pie at Easter. She enjoyed her conversations with her son, Frank, about the history of Portland. Above all else, Madelines true joy came from her family. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. Her happiness came from time spent with her husband, sons, favorite daughter-in-law, and her granddaughters. She was a daily fixture in their lives and will be deeply missed by her loving family. She is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Anthony J. Napolitano. She is survived by her three sons, Frank Napolitano of Portland, Anthony Napolitano and his wife Wendy of Portland and Gregory Napolitano of Portland; triplet granddaughters, Hannah, Isabella and Julia Napolitano all of Portland; and close cousin, Eddy Dunn of Portland. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to VNA Home and Health, Molly Harvey and Kathy Rand for the wonderful and compassionate care Madeline received. They would also like to thank Fr. Claude Gendreau and the Cathedral Community for the prayerful support over the last several months. Visiting Hours will be held on Sunday, December 18, from 1-5PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Monday, December 19, at 9:15AM followed by a 10AM Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland with The Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., as principal celebrant. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Madelines memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Greater Portland Animal Refuge League, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098.