Madeline Dolores Shepherd Munson

Madeline Dolores Munson was born in New Haven Connecticut on January 21, 1918 to Peter (Bedros) & Paris (Perous) Hamparty (Hampartzumian). Her mother was 16 years old when she was born. In 1920 her mother remarried Victor Shepherd (Chobanian), who would later adopt her into his family. Three more children were born. They lived on Manhattan, near the East River until the death of their mother in 1935.

A few winters later, Victor moved the family to Los Angeles in search of a warmer climate, then settling in Glendale, CA. They traveled to California by car which was shared with another family. The trip took more than 10 days to cross the country. They often had to rough it by camping in the outdoors to save money as they journeyed from state to state. This explains why mom never went camping again in her entire life.

Madeline contracted Tuberculoses while caring for younger sister Dorothy who she truly adored. Not wanting the same outcome, she agreed to be one of the first recipients of an experimental treatment at the Olive View Sanitarium in Sylmar, CA. The surgery was successful and this radical procedure saved her life. She met her future husband Harry Maxwell Munson through mutual friends while being treated for TB at OV Sanitarium. She had to wait 5 years to be released from the hospital to finally marry him. They were married in Yuma, Arizona in 1953. Ten months later, their first child Gerard was born (named after her brother). Patty was born 3 years later, and Linda was born in 1959. Together they raised their children in Sylmar until Harry passed away in 1973. She remained a widow for the rest of her life.

Madeline worked continually until her retirement at the age of 69. She worked 37 years for GTE never missing a day of work for illness. She even wanted to go to work the day of the San Fernando Earthquake in 1971 because she knew people needed their telephones. She had an incredible work ethic, always teaching her children by example.

She was one of the first working moms on our block. She did it all. She was a great cook and always made plenty of food for neighbors and friends when they would stop by. The greatest compliment you could give her was to ask for seconds. A close friend, Lori said she learned not to sit next to our mom if you were not hungry, because she would try to heap more food onto your plate. She always wanted everyone to eat.

She kept an immaculate house and only allowed us to have pets after years of begging. We don’t understand how this tiny woman did all things that she did, and never drove a car. She was the strongest person we ever knew. She always expected the best from us and she always gave us her best. She was a selfless individual and always ready to give aid if anyone needed it. She was smart, honest, generous, tireless, funny, and one of the best dressed women. She could accessorize like no one else.

In retirement she remained active, traveling to such places as Solvang, Hawaii (twice) and Cabo (twice) with her friend or her number one buddy, her daughter Patty. She would take our mom to many events including one trip to the cult movie "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" which mom thought the audience was a little odd. If you knew Madeline, this would surprise you that she went to this show because she was a very proper lady.

Her family grew when Gerard married Karen Rydell in 1983, a classmate from Sylmar High School. They have two beautiful daughters Nicole Kristen and Lindsay Renee'. Nicole is engaged to be married to Eric Hanson (classmate from Valencia High School) in June 2011. Linda married Steve Lindsey (Iowa born) in 1984. They have two beautiful daughters also, Michele Lauren who married Matthew Andrade in 2009 and Erin Leigh who married Kenneth Etheridge in 2008. Erin gave birth to a beautiful daughter in 2010 named Alexa Faith making Madeline a great-grandmother.

Her favorite pastimes were cooking, reading the newspaper, clipping out the ”Love Is” cartoon each day, and working puzzle books. Coffee was her favorite beverage - the hotter the better. She could drink coffee up to bed time and never miss a wink of sleep.

In mom's later years she developed a stomach condition that prevented her from eating solid foods normally. She never let on that there was a problem until it had gone too long. Mom hated visiting doctors because of her past experience with TB and Olive View Sanitarium. She needed daily care and we found that person in Angel Uy. She provided unwavering care and understanding that permitted our mother to remain in her home, which was a true blessing.

We owe much gratitude to both Angel Uy and her husband Roger, for caring and loving our mother with such dedication for the last ten years. With the help of Angel's mother Ditta – the last and most difficult years of her life were made comfortable. Due to their exceptional efforts, our mother was able to live with dignity until the end of her years. We will be forever grateful for her love to Madeline.

Madeline is survived by her immediate family; children - Gerard (Karen) Munson, Patricia Munson, Linda Munson (Steve) Lindsey, granddaughters - Nicole Munson, Michele Lindsey (Matthew) Andrade, Lindsay Munson, Erin Lindsey (Kenneth) Etheridge and great granddaughter - Alexa Etheridge. Sister - Helen Morgan Shepherd, Niece Paris Shepherd and Nephew Charles Shepherd, Cousin Viriginia Gaule and her family Jonathan (Mary) Gaule, Bedros Gaule, Sophia Gaule (Gareth) deBrieyn.

This small space cannot possible convey the entire story of our mothers life. We were so fortunate to have her as our mother. As you can see, she was treasured beyond measure and we will miss her with all our hearts. She lived her life proudly and we are fortunate to have countless memories of her wonderful spirit.

God Speed – Mom – we can’t wait until we can see you again.