Madelyn Bansavich Ratches

Madelyn B. Ratches, 83, of Sandwich, MA (originally from Hartford, CT) died peacefully on October 21st with her daughter Christine Ratches of Bourne MA at her bedside. Madelyn is pre-deceased by her husband, Joseph Ratches, of 29 years. She is also pre-deceased by brothers, Richard and Leonard Bansavich and sister Valerie Bancroft. Madelyn is survived by her daughter, Christine Ratches of Bourne, MA, along with long time close friend and “adopted son” Bill Rodrigues of East Hampton, CT. She also leaves behind step-son, James Ratches and wife Kristina of Alexandria, VA; step-daughter Jane (Ratches) Leary and husband John from East Hampton, CT; step-son John Ratches from East Hartland, CT; 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, as well as, numerous nieces and nephews.

Madelyn was born and raised in the house her father built in Hartford, CT where she lived for over 75 years, until moving to Cape Cod in 2005. Madelyn worked for many years for the state of CT as a secretary. Aside from work, she was a dedicated wife, friend and mother. Madelyn loved Holy Trinity Church in Hartford, CT where she attended mass as often as she could while she lived in town. She was an avid animal lover….but especially of birds, being known to many as the crazy bird lady. While living on the Cape, in an assisted living facility, she made some wonderful friends in her caregivers, who were there until the very end - a true tribute to the type of person “Maddie” was. The best words to describe her would be a “stubborn Lithuanian with a heart of gold. The best mother a kid could ask for and the best friend anyone could hope for.” She will be truly missed and always in our hearts.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, October 27, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd., in Bourne.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, October 28, at 11:00 AM, at St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church in Pocasset.

Burial will be Thursday, Oct. 29 at 11:00 AM, in the Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Madelyn’s name to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT 84741 (https://secure.bestfriends.org/page/contribute/memory) or Holy Trinity Church, 53 Capitol Ave. Hartford, CT 06106.

Friends may share condolences online and sign her register book at www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com