Madeline Rose Smith

Madeline Rose Smith, 100, of Washington Depot, Connecticut, passed away peacefully of natural causes on December 7, 2025 just six days short of her 101st birthday. A devoted mother, dear friend, and spirited adventurer, Madeline lived a century defined by independence, kindness, and a joyful curiosity about the world.  

Born on a hop farm on December 13, 1924, in Grandview, Washington, Madeline grew up surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, which sparked her lifelong love of travel and the outdoors. After completing her education, she embarked on a remarkable career as a Pan Am stewardess, flying DC-3’s across Alaska—a daring and pioneering role for women at the time. A few years later, she met and married the love of her life, Charles A. Smith, a Pan Am Captain, with whom she spent decades before his passing in 1989. Her years with Pan Am gave her an enduring sense of adventure, as well as lasting friendships with colleagues who shared her love of exploring new places and cultures.  

Madeline’s professional chapter gave way to an equally fulfilling personal life anchored in her love for her family. She raised three children—Valerie, Phil, and Rob—instilling in them the same values of integrity, resilience, and compassion that guided her own life. Her home was always warm and welcoming, a place where laughter filled the rooms and delicious aromas drifted from the kitchen. A fantastic cook, Madeline found joy in preparing meals for loved ones, often blending recipes from her travels into family favorites.  

In addition to her family and career, Madeline nurtured a deep passion for sports and activity. A lifelong tennis enthusiast, she achieved recognition as a 90-plus national tennis champion, an accomplishment that reflected her discipline, perseverance, and youthful energy well into her later years. She played tennis and golf with vigor and grace, often outpacing those much younger than herself. Whether skiing, taking long walks through Hidden Valley, or simply breathing in the fresh air of a crisp Connecticut morning, she embodied vitality and a genuine appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.  

Madeline’s faith was an important part of her life. As an active member of her Catholic church and choir, she found community and spiritual fulfillment among her parish friends, never failing to offer a kind word or a helpful hand. Her friends and neighbors describe her as funny, warm, and inviting—with an endearing sweetness and occasional naiveté that only made her more beloved. Beneath her gentle humor, she was also fiercely independent and task-oriented, living life on her own terms with quiet determination.  

Madeline is survived by her loving children, Valerie, Phil, and Rob, her grandchildren Casey, Aaron, Connor, Dougie, Garrett and Devon, and her great-grandchildren Carson, Nate, Charlie and Claire who will forever cherish her love and unwavering support. Her legacy lives on in the laughter she inspired, the stories she told, and the strength she modeled for those who knew her.  

A funeral service and reception celebrating Madeline’s extraordinary life will be held on June 13, 2026 in Washington, Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers or cards, donations may be made in Madeline’s name to The Pan Am Historical Foundation, The Pan Am Museum Foundation (1 Davis Ave., Garden City, NY 11530) or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital honoring her adventurous and loving spirit and the pioneering path she helped pave.

May she forever rest in peace.