Obituary of Madaline Fowler

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Madaline Geraldine Fowler which occurred on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at the Kiwanis Nursing Home, Sussex, NB. Born in Belleisle Creek, NB, on October 1, 1937, she was the eldest daughter of the late Gerald L. and Burnadeen K. (Pearson) Ford.

Madaline received her early education at McAllister one room school and attended Belleisle Regional High School becoming a graduate in 1956. After working at the T. Eaton Co. in Moncton that Summer, she attended Teacher’s College in Fredericton, graduating with a first-class license in 1957.

Madaline married Charles W. Fowler that year and taught the next two years at Tennants Cove, followed by another four years at Hatfield Point. She stayed home for the next four years but supplied at B.R.H.S. and one room schools locally, returning in the Fall of 1967 to full time. She taught at Henderson Settlement for one year as well. During the following year, she taught at Lower Kars, this was her last year teaching in a one room school. During the same year, she began studies part-time at UNB Fredericton. She graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching, specializing in Special Education in 1976. Her final graduation from UNB came in 1979, with a Bachelor of Education. Madaline loved teaching and spent 26 years at Belleisle Elementary School, where she worked congenially with over one hundred staff members over the years. She made many lifelong friendships during her career.

Over the years, Madaline also took many courses of enrichment and interest such as accounting, typing, computer, oil and acrylic painting, bookkeeping, calligraphy, wood working, photography, perceptual motor training, developing learning skills, water safety courses, CPR and also participated in district 19 staff development plan. Upon retiring in 1995, she became active with other retired teachers and volunteers. Madaline was an honorary member of the NB Teachers Association, Kings Co. Historical and Archival Society and Kings County Retired Teacher’s Association of which she served on the Board of Directors. She also served on the Embroiders Association of Canada, NB Society of Retired Teachers and CARP, past secretary of the Belleisle Home and School Association and a founding member of the Belleisle Valley Family Fun Days. She was a long time volunteer for the Royal Branch of the Arthritis Society, past president of the Pleasant Valley Stitchers and actively supported UNICEF for many years. She received a badge of service from the Canadian Red Cross Society for ten or more years of active service.

Madaline also enjoyed travelling, skiing, swimming, fishing and golfing with family and friends. She attended the Outreach Pentecostal Church, teaching Sunday School and Bible School for many years.

Above all, Madaline was a loving mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed. She is survived by her daughter Catherine Secord (James) of Humble, Texas; grandsons: Cameron Secord and Conrad Secord (Rachel); great grandchildren: Saffron Mirai, and Lochlan Ronald; sister Kathleen Boutilier (Elston); brothers: Malcolm Ford (Patricia), Ralph Ford (Elaine) and Leonard Ford; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Madaline was predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years, Charles Wilmot Fowler; infant son Kevin Douglas Fowler; and brother Don Ford.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherwood’s Funeral Home and Life Tribute Centre (506-839-2156), Norton, NB where visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov 15 from 4 to 7PM. The funeral service will be held at 1:30PM on Sunday, Nov 16, 2025 from Outreach Pentecostal Church, Hatfield Point, NB. A private family interment will take place at Bethel Cemetery, Lower Kars, NB.

Donations in memory of Madaline may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Arthritis Society or the Alzheimer’s Society. Personal condolences to the family and memorial donations may be made through SherwoodsFuneralHome.com.