Constance A. “Connie” Madden, of Freeport, Ill., died Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at FHN Memorial Hospital. She was 71.

She was born Aug. 6, 1935 in Stuart, Nebr., the daughter of Rex Rednall and Henrietta Pauline (Drevsen) Gay, both of whom preceded her in death.

She married James G. Madden February 23, 1957 in Grand Island, Neb., who survives in Freeport.

She is also survived by three children, Lori G. (Lloyd) Gapinski of Chesterton, Lynne M. (Bill) Yowell of Lake Bloomington, Ill., and Mark J. (Beth) Madden of Iowa City, Iowa; grandchildren, Matthew Gapinski, Jennifer Yowell, Lindsay and Jonathan Eickhorst, and Benjamin Madden.

She was also preceded in death by one brother, Larry R. Gay.

A registered nurse, she practiced at the V.A. Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich. and Freeport Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed her association with The Unicorn and the friendships that sustained through the years.

An active member in the community, she was past president of both the YWCA and PEO, Chapter IY. She also served on the Second Presbyterian Church’s Board of Deaconesses and devoted many hours to United Way campaigns.

Connie’s hobby and passion was cooking and collecting cookbooks. She loved the outdoors and took care to assure a colorful garden in the spring, turning her attention to Nebraska and Michigan football in the fall.

She lived a love story, recently celebrating a union of fifty years. Her family and friends were her heart and soul. They all will miss her warm, inviting smile, her generous spirit, and her chocolate chip cookies.

Visitation will be at Second Presbyterian Church, Saturday, April 21, 11 a.m. until time of service. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Reverend Robert Conner officiating. Internment will follow at Grandview Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for PEO, Chapter IY, Educational Loan Fund. Connie’s family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, or light a candle in her honor at www.walkermortuary.com

Posted 4/19/2007