Obituary of Lynda Marie Madden
Lynda Marie (Saari) Madden, 68, passed away on May 9, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.
Lynda was born on November 15, 1949 to Paul Saari and Frances Walker. She attended Buchtel High School and graduated in 1967. During her time in high school Lynda enjoyed home economics and spending time with her girlfriends from the neighborhood. From her first date with Mike Madden in the spring of 1965 to see "The Sound of Music", Lynda was smitten. The two corresponded while Mike was in the Marine Corps overseas. The relationship was cemented with a "P.S. Will you marry me?" proposal which Lynda received in her bathrobe and curlers. The two married on January 11, 1969 at St. Vincent church in Akron. Mike began his career as an Akron police officer, and Lynda stayed home to raise their growing family of five daughters. Together, the couple enjoyed traveling, playing cards with friends, spending time with extended family at cookouts and holiday parties.
Lynda was most proud of her roles as a mother of five daughters and the wife of a policeman. She raised her daughters with a firm but always loving hand. There was never a question that couldn't be answered with, "Because I'm the Mom". She led Girl Scout troops, organized cookie sales, and drove carpool. She loved to entertain, socialize, and give her daughters advice, whether solicited or not. Lynda was known for her one-liners and could always be counted on for a laugh.
Lynda and Mike have 13 beautiful grandchildren, and Lynda relished being Grammy. As grandparents they enjoyed spending time with their grandkids vacationing, baking, playing games, and going on outings. She will be dearly missed by those who were proud to call her Grandma.
Preceded in death by her parents, Frances & Dennis Walker, and Paul & Elizabeth Saari, and brother-in-law Kevin Madden. Lynda will be missed by her beloved husband of 49 years, Michael; Daughters, Kelly (John) Cain, Kristin (Robert) Oakes, Amy (Matthew) Casey, Catherine (Michael) Leonakis, Karen (William) Wheeler; Grandchildren, Rebecca, Natalie, Michael, Andrew, Tyler, Charlotte, Benjamin, Anna, Thomas, Caroline, Daniel, Audrey, and Kate; Siblings, Nancy (Lynn), Janet (Steve), John (Brenda) and Carla (Tim); Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law as well as many nieces and nephews. Lynda will be remembered by all as a wonderful and caring woman.
Special thank you to Akron General Visiting Nurse Service, especially nurses Julie & Bonnie and aid Emily, for their compassionate care over the last 6 weeks.
Calling hours will be Monday, May 14 from 5-7PM at the Anthony Funeral Homes, Kucko-Anthony-Krestesz Chapel, 1990 S Main St in Akron. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 4019 Manchester Road in Akron. Interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
