LITTLETON – Madelene “Memaw” (Schools) Bridges, 67, entered into eternal rest Feb. 20, 2011, with her loving family by her side, after a short battle with cancer. She was born Jan. 25, 1944, in Houlton, the daughter of Bernard and Grace (Sligar) Schools.
Madelene attended schools in Hodgdon and Enfield, Conn., and then returned home to Aroostook County in 1967. She chose to be a stay-at-home mom, raising her three daughters until she went to work on the farm for special cousin, Tom Schools. She was a valued employee at Ames department store for many years. She was a volunteer at SAD 29 until such time as she became employed by them. She enjoyed 10 years as an ed tech, working with and loving the children and teachers she spent her days with. Madelene also was a lifelong member of Saint Mary’s Parish. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, adoring grandmother and cherished sister.
Madelene is survived by her husband, Leslie A. Bridges; her daughters, Karen Woodbury of Littleton, Lynn Shea of Kentucky and Dawn Theriault of Littleton; their father, Roland Theriault of Littleton; a very special granddaughter, Kelsey Theriault; equally special grandsons, Will and Sean Shea, Graden Bridges and Gabe Bither; special niece, Darla Lizotte; stepsons, Jon Bridges and his family of Levant and Brady Bridges and his friend, Becky Bither, and her daughter, Kalie; brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Schools of Connecticut, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Schools of Connecticut, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Schools of Pennsylvania and Vaugh Bridges of Mapleton; sisters, Louise Shewokis of East Windsor, Conn., Jane LaBreck and Anna Grover, both of Wiscasset, and Edith Johns and her husband, Wilbur, of East Hartford, Conn.; special aunt, Ethel Schools; many, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Lewis, Gerald, William and Phillip; and sister, Theresa.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Dunn Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday at Saint Mary of the Visitation Church. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Madelene’s memory to Houlton Elementary School Library, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences and guest book at
www.dunnfuneral.com.