Madeline Jennings O'Connell, 68, died peacefully on Oct. 22, 1999. She was the widow of John (Jack) W. O'Connell who died on Feb. 18, 1999. Born on Jan. 14, 1931 in Port Washington, she was the daughter of James and Alice Dinn Jennings. She graduated from Port Washington High School and then went to Buffalo State University where she received her bachelor of arts degree. She taught art for several years in Rhinebeck.

Maddie and Jack moved to Port Washington where they raised their family. She was very active in the Fresh Air Fund, serving several terms as chairperson and was involved in Toys for Tots. Summers were spent at Hedges Lake, and when Jack retired in 1984, they moved there and wintered on Marco Island, FL.

An active member of the community, she belonged to the Salem Women's Club, the Mary McClellan Hospital Ball Committee and the Battenkill Country Club. She was a driver for Meals on Wheels. A communicant of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Salem, she was involved in the Catholic Daughters and Marriage Encounter. Maddie enjoyed golf, travel, art, knitting, antiques, walking, her grandchildren and helping others. Her door was always open especially to young people in need.

She was predeceased by a grandson, Patrick Lamberti and a sister, Martha Byrne. Survivors include five children and their spouses, Sean and Betsy O'Connell of Eagle Bridge, Maureen and John Lamberti of Port Washington, Terese and Terry Brennan of Cambridge, Tim and Lisa O'Connell of Ridgefield, CT and Pegeen and Ralph Metcalfe of Cambridge; a brother and sister-in-law Brian and Ann Jennings of Manhasset; a sister and brother-in-law Janice and Jim Weedman of Boone, IA; a sister-in-law Jean Smullens of Cooperstown; and a brother and sister-in-law Jim and Eveylyn O'Connell of Amarillo, TX; 11 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Arrangements were made by the Ackley & Ross Funeral Home, Cambridge. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church. Maddie's cremains will be buried next to Jack's at Saratoga National Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Mary McClellan Scholarship Fund, One Myrtle Ave., Cambridge, NY 12816 or the Fresh Air Fund.