Madge Helen Spitteler

Madge’s father was English so the family moved to England at the outbreak of WWII for her father and brothers to support the war effort. She completed her education in England and was eventually repatriated to Rio to rejoin her mother and sister. There, she met and married Terry, an ex-Gurkha officer, had a daughter and enjoyed a life that spanned her Brazilian roots and her expatriate husband and friends.

They were eventually posted to England, bought a centuries old house and built a new life surrounded by new friends, and reconnecting with old Rio friends as they too were posted to England. Almost fifty years later, Madge, now a widow, decided that it was time for her (and her German Shepherd) to emigrate to the US. She settled in Williamsburg, bought a house in Ford’s Colony and enjoyed an active and busy life, eventually becoming a US citizen.

Madge was a talented bridge player, a regular consumer of Spectator bridge puzzles, and a dedicated reader. She reveled in collecting and reading a wide range of books, and after losing her sight late in life, became an avid collector of audio books. She loved to travel, used Eurostar regularly and enjoyed exploring North America. Always ready to listen and engage with the people around her, Madge enjoyed meeting and getting to know people but was equally happy with her nose deep in one of her beloved books.

Madge is predeceased by her husband, her best friend and sister, Susan, and her brothers. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Daphne and John, and by her furry canine companions Widget and Gizmo.

The family extends its appreciation to the staff of Comfort Keepers for their support and kindness, and to Alissa, Christine, Lynn and Rita, special people who made Madge’s later years so very engaging, comfortable and fun.

Services will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home on Saturday, March 7th at 10am.