Julia A. Madden

Florida with her family by her side. She was born to George and Verda Allen in Hot Springs, Arkansas on March 21, 1934.

Julia was the youngest of five and is predeceased by her brother, James Allen; three sisters, Georgia Dickson, Bonnie Ledwidge and Margarita Petty; her nephew, Bob Dickson, who was a year and a half older than her; her husband, Don Allen Madden; her son, John Allen Madden and his son, Bowden Allen

Madden.

As a child growing up in the depression, she learned about the important things in life at a young age and held them close to her heart throughout her life. She lived in a small house with her parents, her four siblings, and her nephew. This tight-knit family taught her what it meant to be a supportive family and she embodied this throughout her life. She always was quick to provide for her family in any capacity. Julia considered herself a tomboy as a child with an adventurous spirit. At one point she moved to Los Angeles to live with her sister and brother-in-law. While she stayed only a short time, she loved California. When she received a scholarship, she returned to Los Angeles and attended UCLA. While she was on break from college one summer she met Don Madden and within a few months, they were married. She said that they both knew that it was meant to be after their third date. She and Don lived their life this way; when they knew something was meant to be, they went for it without regret.

Julia and Don married in 1954. They soon started a family and had four boys; Don Allen Madden Junior (Lisa), John Allen Madden, Ricky Allen Madden, and Robert Allen Madden (Elise). Julia loved her family and was blessed with 10 grandchildren; Janice Patricia Madden Jordan (John), Lauren Hannon Madden Pope (Brent), John Allen Madden Junior (Kialea) Don Allen Madden III (Caitlin), Alexandra Madden Steinberg (David), Anna Madden Pınar (Daniel), Bowden Allen Madden, Robert Allen Madden Jr., Michael

Christopher Allen Madden, and Robert Wayne Madden. She was devoted to each of them and was always there to lend an ear or a chocolate chip cookie. As a grandmother, she was a wonderful listener and knew how to guide her grandchildren without judging them. She was both an advisor and cheerleader. Julia valued time with her family and had all of them over each Sunday for lunch. She

hosted holidays, birthday parties, and even a family wedding, always making sure to

bake everyone’s favorite cake for the occasion. She was not only close to her grandchildren but was blessed to know her 10 great-grandchildren as well.

Julia was a wonderful friend to many and had close friendships that were invaluable to her. She played bridge and celebrated occasions, cultivating cherished friendships that lasted for many decades. Julia was an intelligent lady who was always at the top of her class throughout the school. She carried this intellect into adulthood, working with her husband, Don, and creating a successful hotel business. She was a problem solver who was scrappy and never above any job that needed to be done. She was a manager, interior designer, clerk, cleaner, and any other position that was needed. Julia was a personable, bright woman, who could just as easily speak with the President of the United States as she

could with a store clerk.

Julia’s faith in God was central to her life and guided her through the trying times. She was an active member of Central Baptist Church in Hot Springs, AR during her younger years and Mariners Church in Irvine, CA later in life. She received God’s peace through her faith communities and was grateful for them.

Julia did not live a life free from adversity and learned how to navigate through the tough times and appreciate the good times. She knew what it meant to have nothing and so she valued the things that she did have. She was able to mentor her grandchildren and help them to know that if they would just hold on through the tough times the good times would be around the corner.

A celebration of life will be held on August 19th at 3:45 pm at 27 West Admirals Cove, Jupiter, FL 33477. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity - https://www.habitat.org/donate/,

Habitat for Humanity International, 322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709-3543 or

The Christ Fellowship Building Fund - Jupiter Campus - 5343 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. *Mention Julia Madden’s name.