DOVER-FOXCROFT and MONSON – Madeleine C. Pullen, 85, died Dec. 13, 2006, at Sedgewood Commons, Falmouth. She was born Feb. 15, 1921, in Monson, to Hilma C. (Erickson) and Adolph Holmbom. She attended schools in Monson and was a 1938 graduate of Monson Academy. She was president and valedictorian of her class, was editor-in-chief of her yearbook and was active in the drama club and public speaking. She was Monson Academy’s first Winter Carnival Queen. She attended The Junior College of Commerce, now Quinnipiac University, New Haven, Conn., graduating cum laude in 1940. She married J. Record Pullen, June 18, a year later. They enjoyed 55 wonderful years of marriage and cherished the times spent at their camp on Lake Hebron, camping, canoeing, fishing and hiking. After “Rec” retired, they especially enjoyed their trips to British Columbia, the west coast, Hawaii and Sweden. Madeleine loved poetry and was able to recite everything from Robert Frost to The Gettysburg Address. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. She was an accomplished musician and instilled that same love of music in all of her children. She loved nature and her children and grandchildren have that same sense of appreciation. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her family. Madeleine was a devoted member of United Church of Christ, Dover-Foxcroft, and the Women’s Fellowship. Madeleine was predeceased by her husband, J. Record Pullen, April 28, 1996. She is survived by two sons, Peter W. Pullen and his wife, JoAnn, of Northfield, Mass., Laurence R. Pullen and his wife, Nancy, of Auburn; three daughters, Joan C. Philbrook of Camden, Sandra P. Finley and her husband, Phillip, of Lamoine, Mary Ellen Tardy and her husband, Josh, of Newport. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Thomas W. and Matthew J. Pullen, Brandon R., Michael L. and Ian T. Pullen, Joshua J. Philbrook and Amy C. (Philbrook) Robbins, Megan L. (Finley) Kreie and Jennifer S. (Finley) Elswick, Liza J. (Pembroke) Smith and Ashlie A. (Pembroke) McLeish; 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, James W. Holmbom of Monson, as well as several nieces. A memorial celebration of her life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Monson United Church of Christ. Those who wish may donate in her memory to the Monson Public Library, P.O. Box 308, Monson, ME 04464. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft.
MADELEINE C. PULLEN
