Gladys “Madeleine” was born on August 28th, 1919, in Vaughan Township to David and Gladys (Cowie) Rumble. As the middle child between her siblings Stewart and Isobel, she grew up in a warm and hardworking family. Her early years were spent attending S.S. 19 Patterson School before moving on to Richmond Hill High School. Determined to pursue a career in education, she continued her studies at Normal School a.k.a. Teachers College.

Madeleine began her teaching career in 1940 in Thornloe/New Liskeard area, educating students from Grades 1 to 8 in a one-room schoolhouse. Summers were spent farming at home, a testament to her tireless work ethic. While teaching, she met a young man named Harold Howarth and they dated for less than a year before he proposed. They were to be married in December, but one summer day when he went to fetch his mail at the post office, the postmaster suggested that he shouldn’t bother with getting his mail but go marry his sweetheart instead, by which he knew that his enrollment papers for the War would be in there. On the advice of the town’s postmaster, he postponed collecting his mail and he rushed down to the Rumble farm. Without hesitation, he spoke to Madeleine’s mother, asking, “How soon can you ice the cake?” A week later, they were married on the family farm, on August 20th,1942, surrounded by loved ones, and they honeymooned in Irondale, near Haliburton, where Madeleine had family connections.

Their newlywed bliss was soon interrupted when Harold left for military training while Madeleine remained with her family on the farm. In November 1943, their daughter Elaine was born, but Harold would not meet her until she was two years old, upon his return from the war. Later on Madeleine returned to teaching, dedicating herself to shaping young minds as a Grade 1 teacher in Richmond Hill.

In the 1960s, Madeleine and Harold discovered a shared passion for painting, which became an integral part of their lives. They sold their artwork, along with vegetables and flowers, at the local farmers’ market. In 1976, they relocated to Irondale, where they immersed themselves in the community and the local Anglican church. Despite not being Anglican themselves, they appreciated the welcoming, multi-denominational spirit of the congregation. Madeleine took an active role in the church, particularly in the children’s programs. Her faith, which had been the foundation of her life since her teenage years, remained her guiding light.

The hills, forests and lakes of Irondale called to Madeleine. The fellowship she and Harold fostered there grew and the community became like a second family to them. Hardly a day would go by without a visitor dropping in to say hello. It was her happy place and she spent time there every year until she was 100.

In 1987, they moved to Elmwood to be closer to Elaine and her growing family while maintaining their home in Irondale. Their time was spent between the two places, enjoying family and friends. However, in 1992, Harold suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed. Madeleine lovingly cared for him at home until his passing in 1997.

Despite her loss, Madeleine continued to lead an active life. She remained deeply involved in her grandchildren’s, and later great-grandchildren’s, lives, always ready with crafts, fishing trips, swimming adventures, and birthday celebrations. A warm and welcoming host, she never let a visitor leave empty-handed, often offering homemade cookies, muffins, or her legendary brownies – a closely guarded family recipe. She had a poet’s heart and enjoyed putting pen to paper whenever the muse visited her. Her love for adventure took her on multiple trips to England with family, Jamaica to see family, and spontaneous excursions, including a last-minute journey to Ottawa in her 80s. Camping across Canada in her brother’s trailer was another cherished pastime, reflecting her deep love for her country. Her siblings and cousins were a close-knit group and laughter and joyfulness marked all family gatherings, spreading to the next generations. Family was very important to Madeleine and she was Aunt Maddy to numerous younger cousins as well as to her nieces and nephews.

As an accomplished artist, she even won third prize for a watercolor painting at 104, and was a founding member of the Elmwood Starz Art Group. She also enjoyed knitting, scrabble and playing cards, especially euchre and cribbage. Beyond her artistic talents, she was known for her famous homemade grape juice, canning skills, and her love of Kawartha Dairy ice cream and fish and chips. She regularly entered her baking and artwork in the Kinmount Fair near Irondale alongside her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, winning countless times.

Madeleine was a committed member of the Elmwood UCW and the Elmwood Seniors Club. She also took her right to vote seriously, participating in every municipal, provincial, and federal election, even voting in the last provincial election in 2025. In her early 50s, she suffered a heart attack and determined to regain her health, she made lifestyle changes, including her secret of switching to crispy bacon to reduce fat.

Her adventurous spirit never waned. At 65, her family gifted Madeleine her first bicycle, a moment that thrilled her beyond words. She remained independent, continuing to drive into her 90s and living in her home in Elmwood until the remarkable age of 104, with support from her devoted family.

In June 2024, Madeleine moved to Royal Terrace in Palmerston, where she spent her final months. On March 24, 2025, she peacefully passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and resilience.

Madeleine’s life was one of unwavering dedication – to her family, her faith, her community, and her passions. She was a beacon of strength and warmth, an extraordinary woman who embraced life with open hands and an open heart. She will be remembered, cherished, and celebrated for generations to come.

Loving mother of Elaine Macdougall of Durham, formerly of Elmwood. Cherished grandmother of Stewart (Joanne) Macdougall, Ruth Macdougall, Valerie (John) Griffin, and Harold (Amanda) Macdougall, and great-grandmother of 12. Dear sister of Isobel Tucker of Tottenham. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by her husband Harold Howarth, her son-in-law Walter S. Macdougall II, her brother Stewart (Jean) Rumble, her brother-in-law Ralph Tucker, and her parents David and Gladys (Cowie) Rumble.

A funeral service honouring Madeleine’s life will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2 p.m. The funeral service for Madeleine will be live streamed through Zoom at service time, and a link will be available in the coming days. Spring inurnment in the Elmwood Cemetery.

Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Salvation Army, Hanover & District Hospital Foundation, or the Irondale Community Church (cheques payable to Bark Lake Cultural Developments) would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.