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Madeline Ornells
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Madeline Barbara Ornells, 92, died Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Doctor's Medical Center in Modesto.

She was born Jan. 2, 1919 and lived most of her life in Ripon. As a child and teen she attended grammar school and high school in Ripon. She lived with her family on a farm where she learned to care for cows and various crops. In 1936 she was appointed queen of the FESM in Manteca.

As an adult Madeline's life revolved around family, friends, ranching and prayer. She valued being an American and had a special appreciation for the American soldier. She loved the young and the old. She greeted you with a smile and a voice that projected her welcoming heart.

Devoted to her family, she loved family parties, picnics, graduations and holiday celebrations. Having a gift for the fun and a great imagination, she would plan wonderful experiences for nephews, nieces and other children.

She was a member of the Ripon Grange and a member of Saint Patrick's Church. She maintained a chapel to Our Lady of Fatima and devoted many hours to praying and caring for the sick and needy. Friends were blessed with her sharing of customs and acts of charity from the Portuguese culture. Madeline had many godchildren.

She is survived by her brother Louis Ornells and his wife Helen of Modesto; many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Maria Ornells; siblings Margaret Ornells, Marie Azevedo, Joe Ornells, Pauline Vieira, Leonore Jacques and nephews Greg and Chris Ornells.

Visitation was Tuesday, Dec. 27 at Deegan Funeral Chapel, 111 S. Palm Avenue, Ripon. A Rosary/Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church. 19399 E. Highway 120.

For condolences to the family, visit the website at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

Dec. 28, 2011