Louise LaClair Madden

Our beloved mother, Louise Ramsay LaClair Madden of Mountain Brook died Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at age 88. Her parents were Jean Erskine Ramsay LaClair and Houston Lincoln LaClair. She is survived by her daughter Jean LaClair Madden, son Joseph (Jay) Madden III (Susan) of Memphis, Tennessee, and their children: Memory LaClair Madden, Stuart Thomas Madden, John Ramsay Madden and sixteen nieces and nephews.

Louise received her education at Lakeview Elementary School, Ramsay High School and the University of Alabama. She was presented at the Redstone Debutant Club. At age 35 she opened the Valley Knit Shop in Homewood and later moved to Mountain Brook Village. As a business woman, she excelled. For designing sweaters to fit customers, she was, by far, the best. After 30 years of hard work and many cherished relationships she retired in 1990.

Mom loved the game of golf and was a life-long member of the Country Club of Birmingham. She was the treasurer of the ladies golf association, was highly competitive and won many tournaments. April 19, 1991 was a great day. She used a five wood from 108 yards on 15 East and had a hole-in-one. To all her golfing buddies; she loved you.

Mom was loyal. She was kind, generous, brave and smart. She was strong, yet tender hearted. Mom was thoughtful, compassionate and never held a grudge. She loved Jesus, her family and friends. My precious mama, I will miss you. You did so well.

For all of you who helped me with her care for these nine years I am forever grateful. Thank you to those who prayed for us and called everyday. A special thank you to Dr. Tom Tartt Brown and your wonderful staff for helping me give Mom the best care possible in the place she always wanted to be at the end of her life---at home.

Louise was a member of St. Peter’s Anglican and St. Luke’s Episcopal Churches. There will be a visitation at St. Peter’s 3207 Montevallo Road, Saturday May 24 from 10:30-12:00 noon. Private burial will follow at Elmwood. Ridouts Valley Chapel directing.

Please make any love offerings to the Spiritual Life Ministry Foundation, P.O. Box 53038, Birmingham, Alabama, 35253, Salvation Army, Alzheimer’s Research or charity of your choice. In your prayers remember those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and especially the heroes who take care of them.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.