Madaline (Fortunato) Arn

Madaline R. (Fortunato) Arn, 67, of North Brookfield died peacefully Monday morning July 14, 2014 with the love of her family all around her after a long battle with cancer. Madaline is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years Rudolf "Rudy" Arn, her parents Joseph and Margaret (Tomaiolo) Fortunato of Worcester, her sons, Paul P. Lombardi and his wife Sheryl of Paxton, Michael J. Lombardi and his wife Crystal of Fiskdale, her brother Joseph M. Fortunato Jr. and his wife Susan of Millbury, and her sister Mary M. Habib of Paxton. Madaline was the doting grandmother to Emily, Anthony, and Angelo. She also leaves two nieces and three nephews and great nieces and great nephews that she loved dearly. Madaline was predeceased by a brother in law Joseph M. Habib in 2013. Madaline was born in Worcester and was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy. She moved to North Brookfield 24 years ago. Madaline was attending Worcester State University to obtain her Degree in Sociology. She made the Dean's List on her last semester there before she became ill. Madaline worked for the Worcester County District Attorney's Office for over 35 years. She was a verbatim Court Reporter for the Grand Jury, and was considered one of the most efficient and meticulous reporters. Madaline was working to obtain her degree in Sociology in hopes of continuing to assist in dealing with the huge problem of child abuse she was always involved with while working at the Courthouse. Madaline was a Eucharistic Minister, and a Lector, at her parish Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, and the church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann when she lived in Worcester. She was a former Chairperson for the Columbus Day Celebrations, and was the parade Chairman for the 300th year Anniversary of the Quaboag Plantation. She was a Color Guard for the Sudbury Ancient Fife & Drum Company, and the Sturbridge Militia. Madaline also served as the Chairman of the White Christmas Celebration in West Brookfield, and was a member of the Swiss Society of Boston. Madaline was the Recipient from the Diocese of Worcester Saint Thomas Moore Society in 1998. She was very active with the Betsy Ross and the Bathsheba Spooner Re-Enactments for many years, and also performed in many schools. Maddy loved to cook and entertain, and was the consummate host at all her functions. She loved to quilt, paint, and do wood carvings. One of her most greatest talents was her making of Nantucket Baskets that she gave to many of her family and friends. However her most treasured times were those spent with her devoted family! She will be missed more than words could ever tell. Our lives will never be the same without her. Madaline's funeral will be held Thursday from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00AM in the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St Ann 24 Mulberry St. Calling hours will be held from 4:00PM to 7:00PM on Wednesday(tonight) in the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Johns Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the North Brookfield Rescue Squad, or the Pan Mass Challenge which Rudy and Michael will participate in again this year at www2.pmc.org/profile/ra0054 or www2.pmc.org/profile/ML0150. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit Madaline's memorial site at (mercadantefuneral.com)