Catherine Patricia Madison

Catherine Patricia Gavigan Madison, 90, of Syracuse, passed away on Friday, February 4, 2011. She had been in the good care of Van Duyn Home & Hospital for the past six years. Catherine was born in Syracuse on Tuesday, March 9, 1920 to John and Elizabeth Gavigan. Her early years were spent in the West End and St. Patrick’s Parish. She had her formal education at the Academy of The Holy Name in Rome, NY where she graduated with honors. Though she won a music scholarship to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, necessity dictated that she start work after graduation. Her career began in Syracuse working for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In 1941 she married John L. Madison and together they raised six children. Catherine was active in Scouts where she served as a Brownie leader of 32 girls in Most Holy Rosary Parish. She saw to it that her children had a chance to partake in swimming, dancing, piano lessons, Scout camp, baseball and foreign exchange. In her mid-fifties, Catherine was a senior companion and helped many people with doctor appointments, meal deliveries and shopping for necessities. Her love for music kept her playing the piano throughout her life to the delight of family and friends. Catherine was predeceased by her sons, Paul Joseph "PJ" in 1989 and John "Maddy" in 2004. Surviving are her daughters and sons-in-law, Erin and Horst Hoffmann of Los Angeles, California, Shannon and Thomas Kane of Gambrills, Maryland and Mary and Miguel Rodriguez Gort of Seminole, Florida; son and daughter-in-law, David and Charlene of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Katherine Koury, Stephen, Christopher and Peter Hoffmann, and David Linton; and ten great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the outstanding staff at Van Duyn for their tireless dedication and compassion. A private service will be held. Please share condolences at www.BuranichFuneralHome.com