Madeline Elizabeth Scherrer-Denniston

Madeline Elizabeth Foster made her debut into the world on February 25, 1930, in Port Jefferson Station, New York. At the time “Port Jeff” was a rural part of Long Island, passed over by those who were on their way to the Hamptons or back into the bustle of NYC. However, it was a key point in the revolutionary war, for those history buffs reading this.

Madeline was the youngest daughter of three girls born to Marie Foster, whose father was the Fire Chief of Terryville Fire Department, NY. Madeline’s upbringing during a post-depression era with the stigma of a divorced mother who tried desperately to support three young girls had an enormous impact on her. It was a wholesome upbringing, including fresh local produce, trips to Jones Beach, seeing Guy Lombardo on the new floating theater and dancing to the Andrew Sisters. Madeline didn’t know how to swim and took swimming lessons in her late 40’s much to William’s amusement as she was always ‘bottom heavy’ and never really mastered the art of swimming. This was especially amusing as the worst thing you could do to Madeline was get her hair wet!

Graduating from high school at 17 years old in a class of just 20 students, Madeline was immediately married off to a much older man. This was a common practice at the time, and it was an unhappy marriage. Madeline escaped the marriage and although there were no children from this union, it left permanent emotional scars on her heart.

Madeline’s first job was with New York Telephone, where she proudly modeled the crown for the new “Princess” telephone. In 1961 she married William E. Scherrer and they had one daughter, Lynn Marie, in 1963 and she became a full-time home maker raising her daughter. Madeline’s mother lived with her from the time Lynn was two years old until she passed away – so a babysitter was never required. In 1972 they moved to Florida for a brief 2 years. (Isn’t this where all New Yorkers go to at some point?)

A move to Houston in 1974 afforded her the opportunity to work at St. Luke’s Hospital. She was the secretary to Robert J. Hall M.D., Medical Director of the Texas Heart Institute, a protege of the famous heart surgeon Michael E. DeBakey, M.D. This work tweaked her interest in people's health and thinking she knew more than her doctors! She was an “armchair” physician, sometimes with less than desirable outcomes. Perhaps she missed her calling as a doctor? Interestingly, Madeline did not learn to drive until she was 35 years old and she would never ride the Houston freeways, even as a passenger - making trips around Houston tedious.

Madeline also worked at Gulf Oil/Chevron, Houston. In the early 90’s Madeline and William moved to Charlotte, NC, where they planned to retire. While in Charlotte she worked for Wells Fargo. As fate always has her way, William passed away in 2007 before they were able to enjoy their retirement years. Madeline immediately retired and moved back to Houston where she met James Denniston and was totally smitten by this man, at times acting like a young giddy girl. They married in 2008; Jim was a kind, loving companion until he passed in May 2024.

Madeline was predeceased by her parents, three husbands, and sisters Virginia Murphy and Ernestine Mileskey. She is survived by her daughter Lynn Morris (Jay), two grandchildren John William Morris (Emily Wilson), Melanie Jean Flores (Oscar) and four great-grandchildren Jamie, Carmen, Kevin, and Olivia. Madeline will be interred in Pineville, North Carolina, alongside her husband, William E. Scherrer. A private family service will take place at the graveside in North Carolina. Madeline will be remembered for always being well-dressed. Her hair and nails were always done, up until the day she died. In 1990 she even asked her daughter to “hurry up and have that baby” because she had a standing hair appointment every Thursday she did not want to miss.

She adored her grand-dog, Rhapsody, and often called her "her dog". Visiting Mom without Rhapsody was not an option, and Rhapsody enjoyed the attention from “grandma”. Madeline recognized the power of the Faithful Paws pet therapy visits she received, and she witnessed the positive impact it brought to other residents of Parkway Place. It was her wish that others would benefit from this unconditional love. In lieu of flowers, she requested that donations be made to Faithful Paws Pet Therapy: https://faithfulpawshouston.org/donate/

The family would like to express sincere appreciation for the wonderful care Madeline and her family received from Buckner Parkway Place and Blue Star Hospice. Thank you for the loving support provided by Tallowood Baptist Church, the choir as well as friends and family. 94.9 years is a respectable number; she lived a long life, with great cognitive ability right up to the end, embracing technology and the world with interest, amazed at all she had witnessed since 1930. She is at peace in the loving arms of our heavenly Father, enjoying the best hair day ever. Lynn, Madeline's daughter, was a member of the Tallowood Baptist Choir for many years. This song really made an impression on her and If a service had been possible, this is the song Lynn would have chosen for her mother, sung by the Tallowood Choir of course! Please see the link below:

https://youtu.be/CqxNuEcxYRQ

Alternatively, if you would like to give to the Buckner Foundation, please write the check make Payable to:

Parkway Place (In memo, please put in memory of Ms. Denniston)

1321 Park Bayou Drive

Houston, TX 77077