MADELEINE ‘MADGE’ BEATRICE (FAY) NELSON

NEW SWEDEN – Madge Nelson, 95, died June 13, 2005, at a Caribou health facility. She was the beloved wife of the late A. Forrest Nelson. She was born Jan. 19, 1910, in Mapleton, the daughter of George Franklin and Sadie Blanche (Condon) Fay. She was married to Forrest for 73 until his death July 14, 2004. Madge and Forrest had two sons, Keith and Robert. She was educated in the Fort Fairfield school system and was a 1928 graduate. She was a member of the Glee Club and Commercial Club. She was the editor of the joke and alumni departments of the “Northern Lights” school publication. Lastly, she was a student penmanship teacher. Madge will be remembered for her love of playing games, gardening, entertaining, music and a laugh with family and friends. Madge dedicated much of her life to the service of others. As a member of the New Sweden First Baptist Church, Madge served as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, trustee board member, church clerk and president of the Busy Bee Circle or 33 years. During the centennial, she was the historian for the church. Madge was a past lecturer and Master of New Sweden Grange No. 315. She received the “Grange Award” for community service during the town’s centennial. She was also the chairwoman of the writers and producers of the New Sweden Centennial Pageant, North Star Seniors Club and the greater Caribou Christian Women’s Club. She was honored with an open house as a life member of the New Sweden Historical Society. As a 48-year member of Extension Homemakers, Madge served as chairperson on many occasions, president of Central Aroostook Extension and pageant coordinator for the County’s 50th Celebration in Presque Isle. She also conducted extension meetings in Caribou and Limestone with a special emphasis on arts, crafts and small antiques. She received the “American Legion Meritorious Service” Award in 1954, the “Central Aroostook Grounds Improvement” Award, and the “1974 University of Maine Homemakers” Award. Madge was a past president of the Union 122 School Board and secretary of the Civic Improve-ment League, Town Republican Club, Local Superintending School Committee, and the early Town Planning Board. She was also a past member of the Nordic Lakers Snowmobile Club. Madge was the emcee for various hometown entertainment shows as well as being a contributing writer to the Bangor Daily News and the Aroostook Republican featuring a New Sweden column. During the Korean War, Madge was a plane spotter for civil defense in New Sweden. In May 2004, she succeeded her husband and held the Boston Post Cane Award as the eldest New Sweden resident. Madge’s endless love and commitment to her family will be forever remembered by her sons, Keith Galen Nelson and his wife, Lucy (LaCombe) Nelson of New Sweden, Robert Lee Nelson and his wife, Peggy Ann (Holmquist) Nelson of Nobleboro; her six granddaughters, Lori Lee Nelson of Beaumont, Texas, Sheri Rae Stone of Powder Springs, Ga., Terri Lee Nelson of Dover, N.H., Traci Ann Halvorson of Easton, Nicole Antoinette Dower of Syracuse, N.Y., Trudi Jo Gillen of Gray; a stepgranddaughter, Gina LeBlanc of Presque Isle; three great-grandsons, Greg Monroe Olmstead of Houston, Texas, Cody John Halvorson of Easton, Zachary Tyler Nelson-Marois of Dover, N.H.; a great-stepgrandson, Zachary James Gillen of Gray; eight great-granddaughters, Ashleigh Faye Stone of Powder Springs, Ga., Brittany Lee Bridgwater of Beau-mont, Texas, Carla Jo Halvorson of Easton, Sophie Marie Dower of Syracuse, N.Y., Jacki Ann Shaw of Gray, Gabrielle Elizabeth Dower of Syracuse, N.Y., Kylie Marie Nelson-Marois of Dover, N.H., Grace Catherine Dower of Syracuse, N.Y. She was predeceased by her husband, Forrest; three sisters and three brothers. Family and friends may call 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at the Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover St., Caribou, where funeral services will be held in the Chapel 2 p.m. Thursday, June 16, with the Rev. David Moore, officiating. Interment will be held at the New Sweden Cemetery, New Sweden. Donations in Madge’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of New Sweden Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church or the funeral home.