Madeline Ethel (Mahar) Oravec, 88, of Cairo, NY passed away peacefully at CMH on Thursday, May 25th surrounded by her family & friends. Born in Broadalbin, NY on February 27, 1929, the daughter of Ray L. & Ruth Mahar. She moved to Stottville, NY at age 11 where she resided for 58 years before moving to Cairo, NY in 1998.
Madeline was once the subject of “Kramer’s Corner” a neighborhood profile section of the Register Star in the early 1970s. This article asked the local community “Who’s your favorite neighbor?” This was absolutely perfect to describe Madeline. Her front door was never locked to make it easier for anyone who needed to talk, laugh, share a meal, or seek advice. She always had room at her table or a bed to call your own for as long as you needed, whether as a boarder or a foster child, no one felt unloved.
Madeline held many jobs that brought her joy throughout her life. From her early work at the Cedar Park Cemetery, The Canada Dry soda factory, and the Pocketbook factory to being a teacher’s aide at the Stottville Union Free School, Madeline was always smiling. She performed many times in various productions to support the local community. Her performing nature and love of life and laughter was never more evident than when she adopted her beloved persona—TICKLE the Clown. Tickle could be seen performing at her local church’s VBS and at many birthday parties or at local nursing homes. She brought joy to anyone she encountered.
Madeline’s love of her Lord was also a large part of her life. She was integral in starting Faith Christian Academy, a private Christian school run by her church at the time Calvary Assembly of God. It was through this that Madeline also received the moniker “Mrs. O”. As an active member of both Calvary Assembly and her most recent church home, where she became an Elder, New Day Fellowship in Cairo, NY, Madeline was often the first to volunteer to serve her community whenever the need arose.
Madeline’s greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Terry (Patti) Oravec, Catskill, NY; Lou Anne (George) Fleury, Cairo, NY; Tim Oravec, Catskill, NY; and Marty (Karen) Oravec, Rio Rancho, NM; Her 19 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Her sister Carolyn and numerous nieces and nephews. There are also so many more that fall into this category, simply because if she knew you, she loved you and you became her family. She is predeceased by her husband John; both her parents; her sister Virginia and her brothers, Charles, Ken, Ray (Jack), Terry and Larry.
A Celebration of her life will be held for Madeline on June 3rd, 2017 at Calvary Assembly of God in Hudson (Stottville), NY. A time of fellowship and sharing will begin at 2:00 pm with a formal service led by her pastor, Anthony Saturnini of New Day Fellowship at 4:00 pm. An additional time of fellowship and sharing will continue following the service. At the request of family, there will not be a viewing and a private interment will be held at a later date.