Madeline Maria Wall

On May 16th, 2023, after 101 ½ years of an amazing life, we are saddened to announce the passing of the remarkable, Madeline Wall. Madeline was born on December 30, 1921 in Vienna, Austria, where she lived with her parents and older sister Fini. It was there that she met Henry, an American soldier. Madeline and Henry married on August 13, 1948, Friday the 13th. They soon made their way to America and after a brief stay in New York, headed west. It was the sunny weather that drew them to settle in Merced. Madeline found work quickly in the automotive industry starting with Lincoln Mercury from 1955-1960, followed by Volkswagen from 1960 until her retirement in 2015 at the age of 92. During this time, she also raised three strong, exceptional women; Linda (Martinelli), Barbara (Eaton), and Janice (Jimenez).

Madeline’s 101 ½ years were filled with family, fun, and adventure. She enjoyed traveling the world, including frequent trips back to Austria. She was an avid bingo player and frequent jackpot winner, sharing her winnings with her husband, Henry. She could be seen with her bingo cards at the Elks Lodge on Tuesdays and the Chicken Ranch on weekends. Madeline loved music and dancing and could be seen at every family event spinning around the dancefloor to Danke Schoen. Her love of the sun and warm weather made for many days spent outside in her backyard gardening, listening to polka music, and enjoying her pool with a cocktail or two. Madeline lived her life the way she wanted to live it- happy, free, and full.

Madeline was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Clay Wall, her granddaughter, Lisa Marie Martinelli, and son-in-law Leonard Martinelli. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Martinelli, Barbara Eaton, and Janice Jimenez (Nash Jimenez), four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 1:00pm-5:00pm at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home 1490 B Street Merced. Funeral Service will be held Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11:00am at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.

There is only one word to describe the amazing Madeline Wall, and that is remarkable. She was remarkable and lived a truly remarkable life that she shared with all who knew her. Once asked what the secret to her long life was, she said, it was perseverance and to not inhale.