Madeleine Pasco French was born on April 27, 1919 in Elk River, Humboldt Co., California. Her parents were Bert and Ida Hermansen Pasco. She passed away peacefully on April 21st with family at her bedside.
She attended Fields Landing Elementary School, Eureka Junior High and Eureka High School graduating in 1937. She was a member of Camp Fire Girls, 4-H and sang in the choir at Episcopal Church. She married Arthur French in Eureka on May 12, 1937. They lived in Eureka and then in Fields Landing. They had two daughters, Louisa May and Janet Kay during this time. In November 1941 they moved to San Francisco where Art worked building docks in the ship yards and Madeleine could get care for her severe asthma problems. They moved back to Eureka in 1943 where their third daughter Suzanne Irene was born.
Through the years she was Blue Bird leader, President of Marshall School PTA (where she met her long time friend Arvis Turner), 4H cooking leader, Eureka High School PTA President, American Business Women’s Woman of the Year in 1971/1972. Madeleine worked full time at Daly Bros, retiring in 1981. During this time she managed and bought the merchandise for the children’s departments in their four stores.
Family and friends were always important to Madeleine. Their home was always open for anyone to stop by. Their home on Herron Road was the scene for many parties for their girls, family and club organizations. She made jam, apple pie filling and canned pickles for all the family up until her 89th birthday. The family referred to her as “The Energizer Bunny.” She always planned a two week vacation for the girls at Williams Grove and later at French’s Camp for the grandkids which was a highlight of their summers. She loved to cook and was always trying out new recipes. She had a special friendship with members of “The Sewing Club” which she joined in 1943. They still meet every month for lunch. She moved to Foxwood Estates in 1998 and organized the “Foxy Ladies” who met every Sunday for laughter and refreshments. She loved her new home and spent hours working on her flowers and yard. She also attended monthly luncheons of “The Cousins” of the French family.
She is survived by her daughters, Louisa (Lynn) Price, Janet (Jerry) Burnette, and Suzanne Felgen; Grandchildren Jack (Margaret) Price, Deborah (Jeff) Davenport, Jeff Burnette, Jay (Julie) Burnette, Forrest (Kim) Felgen and Brandy (Jim) Foust. Great Grandchildren Narrissia, Taylor and Kale Price, Jennifer, AJ (Emily) and Colton Davenport; Briana Burnett, Michael (Ted) Chapanian, Jeffrey Burnette, Mathew Burnette, Cody and Buddy Bolin. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, God Son Gary (Londa) Coy, her friends of over 75 years Irene Council Malloy.
She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur, parents Bert and Ida Pasco, brother Bertrum Pasco, sisters Edabeth Ammer and Louisa Pasco.
Pallbearers include Jack Price, Jay Burnette, Forrest Felgen, Gary Coy, A.J. Davenport, Colton Davenport, Jeff Burnette and Mathew Burnette.
Friends and family are invited to a Visitation at Pierce Mortuary on Friday, April 27, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00pm. A Funeral Service is scheduled at Pierce Mortuary on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 11:00am. A graveside service at Sunset Memorial Park will follow.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sequoia Park and Zoo Foundation for a memorial bench in Madeleine’s name.
Care is under the direction of Pierce Mortuary.
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