Madeline C. Heinzen

Madeline C. Heinzen, 86, passed away on the evening of January 10, 2017, in Kittery, Maine, with her beloved daughter, Reneé, by her side. She was born Madeline LaJoie on April 10, 1930, in Barbeau, Michigan, the daughter of George and Laura LaJoie. One of nine children, Madeline spent her entire childhood in Barbeau before marrying her husband, Kenneth Heinzen (deceased) USCG, Retired, at which time she began traveling the country as his bride. Their homes included Cleveland, Boston, Honolulu, Seattle, Hoquium,WA., Ketchikan, AK, Torrance, CA, Honolulu (again) and Miami. She later lived in Knoxville, TN, for several years before recently moving to Kittery, ME, to be three miles from her daughter in Portsmouth, NH.Madeline is survived by her beloved son, Gary (Marianne) Heinzen of Knoxville, and their daughters, Jessica and Mallory. She is further survived by daughter Reneé Heinzen and her husband, Joseph Gross, cherished grand-daughters, Kelsey Gross and Cody Gross, and her adored great-grandchildren, Joshua, Laura and Jeremiah. Her greatest joy since moving to Maine has been the many, many hours spent with "her little ones."Madeline was much loved and will be greatly missed by her surviving brothers, Elmer (Judy) LaJoie, Raymond (MaryLou) LaJoie, Bernie (Ruth) LaJoie, all of Barbeau, and Willard LaJoie of Sault Ste. Marie, along with scores of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Eva, and her brothers, Oliver, George and Nelson. Madeline was always pleased with where life took her. She had to change jobs frequently due to her many moves as the wife of a US Coast Guard Officer. Early on she was a telephone operator and ended her career as an administrative secretary. She was always known for her pretty smile and for "never having met a stranger," and she had endless love for her family. She described herself as a little girl from the farm, who eventually traveled the world, but who always elected to return to Barbeau for every vacation she ever had, to spend time with her first family. She often talked about never having had a negative thought about any of her siblings, to whom she was steadfastly loyal.Madeline, your life was a blessing, your memory is a treasure, you were loved beyond words, and you will be missed beyond measure.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Holy Family Church in Barbeau with Brother John Hascall as celebrant. Friends may gather at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will follow on a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Tributes

Madeline C. Heinzen

April 10, 1930 - January 10, 2017