Madeline V. Dana

Madeline Vera Dana, 97, a lifelong resident of Groton, Vermont, passed away peacefully at her home on May 14th. She was born on February 6, 1928, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, New Hampshire, to Harold Theodore Darling and Florence Nina (Lund) Darling.

For her first 12 years, Madeline lived with her family at Ricker’s Mill where her father worked. In the first and second grade, she rode the train to the Groton railroad station and then walked to school until bus service became available. When the family moved to a farm in West Groton, she walked to a one-room school for two years. She graduated from Groton High School in 1946 and went on to attend Lyndon Normal School. On May 20, 1948, she married the love of her life, Fred Dana of Groton. Their devoted marriage spanned 69 years until Fred’s passing in 2017.

Madeline joined her daughter in high school classes to learn typing and accounting skills so she could enter the workforce. When the school in Groton closed, her son and other students from Groton and South Ryegate rode with her to Barre to attend Spaulding High School. After dedicating 18 years to her work in accounting at Rock of Ages in Graniteville, she retired in June 1984.

Retirement offered Madeline the time to pour her energy into her passions. She cultivated beautiful perennial and vegetable gardens. Her hands were rarely still, delighting in making jams, jellies and pickles from her abundant harvest. These homemade preserves were a tangible expression of her love, enjoyed by family and friends throughout the year.

Madeline possessed a lifelong passion for learning new skills and putting them into practice with remarkable enthusiasm. While her children were school-aged, her entrepreneurial spirit shone as she ran a home bakery that became a local favorite of the campers. She also served her community with dedication for three years on the School Board. Her diverse hobbies painted a picture of a woman engaged with life. She found joy in walking and bird watching; expressed her creativity through tole painting, various crafts, quilting, cross-stitch and embroidery. She had a unique talent for restoring old trunks and a keen eye for treasures at yard sales. A cherished tradition was the annual corn roasts she and Fred hosted, bringing together family and friends from throughout the community.

Madeline cherished spending time with her grandsons. Being with her meant them knowing they were truly cherished and believed in. The times they spent together - taking nature walks, baking delicious treats, engaging in creative crafts, playing countless games and imagining worlds while making costumes - became precious memories they will always hold dear. Her great grandson, Greyson, loved his Neena.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Sherry Meredith; her sister, Zoa Downing and her husband James of Groton; her brother, Wendell Darling of Illinois; her sister-in-law, Pat Darling of Texas; her grandson, Jason, his wife Erin and their son, Greyson of Massachusetts; her grandson, Michael and his wife Renee of Maine; as well as numerous other beloved relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Madeline was predeceased by her beloved husband Fred; her son, Terry and his wife Roberta; her brothers Harold, Dale and Donald; Donald’s wife Claudette; Wendell’s wife Karen; her sister Florence and Florence’s husband Walter.

Madeline’s warmth, her industrious spirit and her deep love for her family and community have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed. Madeline was called Mom by not only her children and other family but many friends.

In accordance with Madeline’s wishes, there will be no public services. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Madeline’s name, the family kindly suggests donations to the Groton Historical Society, P. O. Box 89, Groton, VT 05046.