Madeleine Marie Orban

Her sunrise into this world was February 3, l9l4 and her final sunset was destined to be January 29,2017 at the perfect age of 102 Madeleine was the third of four children born to Nicholas Christell and Maria Gysette Ricci of Alviguano, Italy. Maria died in childbirth at the age of 34. After her death Nick remarried Theresa Cascella Cristell and had an additional five children. Growing up on a farm in Ohio with 8 brothers and sisters was a joy for mom. We have all enjoyed her fond memories and stories of her life on that farm. Although each of her siblings have different points of view of how that life was, mom seems to have cherished that time of her life most. As she grew older she would reflect back to her youth on the farm over and over again. Madeleine married Steven Orban in February 1941 and because of WWII he was drafted into the Army for 5 years. When Steven returned home from the war they started their family in Cleveland Ohio. In 1952 they moved to El Monte, CA where they raised their four children. As the years slipped by and they both retired, they moved to Spring Valley Lake in 1988 to live closer to their daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom was preceded in death by our wonderful father in April 2000. His passing was such a heartache and he is missed everyday. For the first time in 59 years mom was alone. She became an active volunteer at Desert Valley Hospital, played cards with friends and enjoyed our Bunco group.She enjoyed a weekly senior exercise class at local community center until it became too much for her. She always enjoyed reading and said she could travel the world reading her books.She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Anthony Orban. Mom will be greatly missed and is survived by her sons, Steve Orban Jr. of Tacoma, WA Rick (Linda) Orban of Laguna Hills, CA., Greg Orban of El Monte, CA. and her only daughter Kathy and Barry Smith of Prescott Valley, AZ. Formally of Hesperia. Mom always said Barry was more like a son to her than a son-in-law. He was always available to help out as her chauffeur,handyman and just always there to talk with. The memories of her life will live on in her stories as they are remembered by her grandchildren;Jamie Smith in Huntington Beach, CA; Erik Smith in Las Vegas, NV; Rose (Bill) Howard in Seattle,WA; Amber Orban in Pensacola, FL; and Latishia (David) Longoria in Arcadia, CA. She will forever be "G.G." (great-grandma) to Brandon, Miranda Sabrina Brian, Celestia Lucas,Antonio and Andrew. Be at peace Mom. At her request, there will be no service.