Madelyn E. Roach

Madelyn Edna Roach, 89, of Manahawkin NJ, passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2025. Madelyn is survived by her sister Alice Cesiano, her daughters Stacey Phillips, Nancy Roach-Feig and Susan Anderson (John Anderson), her grandchildren John Anthony Anderson, Kyle Anderson (Breanna) and Austin Phillips, as well as her great grandchildren Audrey, Nixon and Kade Anderson.

Madelyn is preceded in death by her mother and father August and Madeline Spangenberg, her son-in-law‘s Lee Darren Phillips and Theo Feig.

Madelyn leaves behind numerous extended family members that include cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and acquaintances.

Born at home in Jersey City, Madelyn lived a period of time in the midwest before returning to her love of the Jersey Shore in 1980. Madelyn graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1952. She went on to continue her education at the Ann May School of Nursing, graduating in 1955, ultimately setting the stage for her desire to develop relationships with people everywhere she went. Upon graduation she began her career on the floors of Fitkin Hospital in Neptune, NJ, moving toward her preferred specialty as an OB-GYN registered nurse. She guided mothers and families experiencing the miracle of life spanning 3 generations, as hundreds of babies entered this world. Madelyn retired from Ocean Gynecological Obstetrical Associates (23 years) and from nursing at the age of 72 only to offer advice and comfort for those who sought out her expertise.

To say that Madelyn was an animal lover is an understatement. Over the years, she adopted numerous feline friends, always preferring to rescue an animal in need or provide for them through her philanthropy. She loved and cared for her family’s many cats and dogs, she often volunteered to help a friend who needed a pet sitter all while committing to keep an outside bird feeder full for her feathered friends regardless of the weather. Madelyn’s interests could be described by her as “a little bit of this, a little bit of that” which included being an avid reader and gardener, enjoying unique cuisines, a loyal Bengals football fan, a Jeopardy viewing faithful, and one who enjoyed an occasional cruising opportunity.

All that said, the love and nurturing of her family was at the foremost of her life, always putting their needs in front of hers up until the day she passed. Her energy was limitless. Madelyn would cheer on her family, her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren from the smallest to the most significant events of their lives.

Never one to draw attention to herself, we would be remiss not to say that Madelyn will be remembered fondly and celebrated by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Madelyn’s memory to the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge (Forked River, NJ), Jersey Shore Animal Center (Brick, NJ) or a charity of choice.

A Visitation for Madelyn will be held Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM at D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701, followed by a funeral service from 4:45 PM to 5:30 PM.