Madalin Haviland

Madalin Haviland passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Bethpage, TN on April 27th at the age of 92. She is a widow, surviving her Veteran husband, James Madison. She also survived her eldest son, Harry. Her daughter, Kathy, and son, Arlie, survive her as well as six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  

 She will be remembered for her sweet nature and optimistic spirit. Her favorite song, sung by Frank Sinatra, describes her life philosophy, "I did it my way".

 
 She was born and spent her early years in Florida before relocating to Michigan, where she went to high school and later married.

 
 Madalin was self-taught and learned various skills during her lifetime.

 
 She began painting at sixteen and grew into a gifted artist. During her life, she painted hundreds of paintings in varying styles, often giving them away to friends and loved ones. She had a melodious voice and sang blues, traditional pop and opera. She sang in the Metropolitan opera chorus on one of their tours. She had a fascination with Mediterranean customs and taught herself how to belly dance. Before long, she was traveling across the country making a good living doing this full time as “Madelena". Being beautiful and talented she moved to Hollywood. While living there, she sang, belly danced, had parts in local plays and continued painting. She belonged to the Masquers Club in Hollywood and became acquainted with several famous actors. She won an Elizabeth Taylor "look alike" contest and got a small part on "Maude".

She developed a clown character named "Perky" and would entertain children at parties. She and her third husband sold their 6,000 sq foot Hollywood home and spent months traveling around the world, fulfilling a lifetime dream. She was a prolific seamstress and designed and made many of her own clothes. She designed and sewed Halloween costumes for her three children and later her grandchildren.  Later in life, she was the costume designer and seamstress for many plays. During her golden years, she began compulating poems she had written during her lifetime and wrote a few more. She published her book of poems titled "Poems" in 2017 at 86 years old! 

Madalin will be missed by those who knew her. Her effervescent spirit was a gift!. As in life, she wanted her passing to be a joyous event and asked to have a celebration party in lieu of a funeral. The family decided to have this on her birthday September 8th at her daughter's home at 1025 Kathy Lane, Bethpage Tn. All who knew her are welcome! Details and more pictures will be posted at: www.sumnerfuneral.com Arrangements Entrusted to: Sumner Funeral & Cremation, Gallatin (615) 452-9059