January 14, 1941 - August 18, 2018
Monroe, NY
Marion “Maddy” Ellen Wennerberg of Monroe, NY entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at The Kaplan Family Hospice Residence, Newburgh, NY with her family by her side. The daughter of the late John Graff and Elizabeth Murray Graff, Maddy was born on January 14, 1941 in Flushing (Queens), NY. She was 77. The second oldest of six children, Maddy helped to raise her four younger siblings, which not only fostered an incredibly strong bond but was indicative of her nature, as she was truly selfless. Maddy epitomized what it meant to be a good person, quick to give her last dollar, always believing that there was someone who needed it more than her, never able to decline someone who was down on his/her luck a hot meal, a ride or a place to stay. Maddy could tell a story unlike no other, often taking on a broagh for affect. She treasured the good old days, time with her family and friends, as it was what she valued most. Many a great memory was made at the Jonza Family Compound.
Maddy made immense sacrifices to ensure that her children always had what they needed. Only as a result of her love and support were her daughter and grandson able to attain their college degrees. Her grandson Kyle struggled to find the words - “She was a second mother to me, providing an unwavering love, always there with her heart of gold.”
Maddy is survived by her daughter Elizabeth and son Leonard. Anyone who knew our Mom knew that she had no in laws but gained two more children Raymond Lyons (Liz) and Nery Wennerberg (Lenny); by her grandchildren Kyle Jones and Stefany Milla, by her brother Lawrence “Larry” Graff and his wife Rosemary (another sister), and sister Pamela “Pam” Graff, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews, niece/god-daughter Cynthia “Cindy” Pastor, dear cousin Carol Hayes and her best friend Gertrud Kuenneke. There are simply too many wonderful people to name. Maddy found great comfort in the endless love provided by her beagle babies, Lulu, Maggie and Bentley and her special cuddle buddies Bear and Crosby.
If it were not for the boundless love and support of Chris and Penny, John and Karen, Paul and Linda and Uncle Larry and Aunt Rosemary, Mom would not have been able to remain at home for as long as she did. We found solace while she was in their care.
Maddy was predeceased by her husband Leonard Gustav Wennerberg, her brother John Graff and her sisters Elizabeth “Betty” Jonza and Jane Marone, Betty’s husband August “Augie” Jonza who was nothing less than another brother, and nephew Johnny Angel Benitez.
The family would like to thank the extraordinary team at The Kaplan Family Hospice Residence who so lovingly cared for our Mom. We are eternally grateful for the level of compassion that the staff and volunteers have shown all of us in our greatest time of despair. We ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 23 at David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North St., Washingtonville, NY. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Columba R.C. Church, 27 High St., Chester, NY 10918. Burial will take place at Bethlehem Presbyterian Cemetery, Route 94, 1520 Jackson Ave, New Windsor NY 12553, as it was Maddy’s wish to be with Betty and Augie.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ferguson Funeral Home.
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