Louis J. Madru, Sr.

LOUIS J. MADRU, SR. 1922 � 2008 HOLYOKE � Louis J. Madru, Sr., 85, died at the VA Medical Center in Leeds surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 16. He was born in Holyoke on October 18, 1922, the son of the late Eugene T. and Helen �Nellie� (Cray) Madru. He was a graduate of Holyoke High School and proudly served our country in the U. S. Navy during WWII from December 1940 until November 1945. He was an 80 year Holyoke resident and former resident of Lake Wales, Florida. He was a retired Master Plumber and an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing and took up the game of golf later in life and was proud to claim three holes in one. He was the husband of the late Lucille R. (Papineau) Madru who died on July 18, 2006. He is survived by two sons, Louis J. Madru Jr. of Tennessee, Daniel E. Madru and his wife Kathy of Gardner, five daughters, Christine Wodecki and her husband Paul of Easthampton, Jean Ferrara and her husband John of Indian Lake Estates, Florida, Elizabeth Litskoski and her husband Richard of Colrain, Linda Madru and her partner, Mark Schroder of Connecticut, and Ryna Russell and her husband Douglas of South Deerfield. He will be sadly missed by seven grandchildren Matthew and Brian Page, Lisa Markowski, Nicole, Rebecca, Sarah, and Brandon Madru, one step granddaughter, Regina Dube, and four great grandchildren, Adrianna and Ashley Whalen, Carleigh and Gabriella Page, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister in law, Jean Papineau of Holyoke and daughter in law, Susan Madru of North Adams. He was predeceased by his brother Eugene Madru, beloved son in law, Ernest T. Page, Jr. in 1978, and grandson Jamie Whalen in 2005. Funeral services are Monday, October 20 at 9am from the Messier Funeral Home, 1944 Northampton St. (Route 5) followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am at Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery in South Hadley. Calling hours at the funeral home are on Sunday, October 19 from 2 - 4pm. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Dibella, and the nursing staff at the VA for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to VA Medical Voluntary Services, 421 N. Main St., Leeds, MA 01053. Contributions may be made payable to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.