Madeline M. Bowen

Madeline Marie (Abraham) Bowen, 84, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, surrounded by her family after a brief illness.

Affectionately known as "Mad," "Maddy," and "Auntie Mad," Madeline was born on August 5, 1942, in New Bedford, the daughter of Peter Joseph Abraham and Dora Mary (Viger) Abraham. She remained deeply connected to her family, her city, and the many people whose lives she touched.

Madeline grew up in New Bedford's Brook Street neighborhood and attended Holy Family High School before continuing her education at Kinyon-Campbell Business School. She often recalled walking to the movies and shops with friends and spoke fondly of the adventures they shared throughout the city. She was grateful for the happy times she enjoyed with her siblings and friends, and she was especially proud of her parents and the hard work they devoted to creating a good life for their children.

Madeline was married to her beloved husband, Edward F. Bowen, for 50 years. Together, they built a life rooted in family, friendship, and community. Their marriage was filled with shared memories and traditions, and Ed remained an important part of Madeline's life until his passing in April 2016.

Madeline began her career in the accounting department at St. Luke's Hospital. She later joined Chamberlain in New Bedford's North End, where she worked in human resources and business administration.

Eventually, she found a role that brought her into the lives of hundreds of local families. As a driving instructor, Madeline spent many years teaching teenagers to drive and helping them earn their licenses. In the New Bedford area, it seemed everyone knew Auntie Mad-or knew someone who had learned to drive with her. Armed with a cooler of root beer and a few packages of peanut butter crackers, she was ready to face the road. She became a familiar and reassuring presence to generations of new drivers, combining practical instruction with patience, humor, and confidence.

Outside of work, Madeline enjoyed summertime at the beach, a good book, music, and time with the people she loved. She and Ed adored their pets, including Mittens, Harry, Keisha, Zoe, and Buddy. Madeline also supported the Whaling City Little Baseball League, volunteering at the "Coop" and becoming actively involved while Ed was coaching. Her commitment to the league reflected the generosity, energy, loyalty, and community spirit that defined her.

Madeline was famous for the New Year's Day celebration she hosted at home. Family and friends gathered to watch football, share food, and laugh together. In true Auntie Mad fashion, the celebration was never complete without a little kazoo playing-just enough to ensure that any New Year's Eve hangover headache was amplified.

She loved the Peanuts characters, which even inspired her Gmail account name. Snoopy, Woodstock, and other characters could be found throughout her home. In her later years, she enjoyed enjoying time at her home watching TV and you would usually find the Fox News Channel or her beloved Red Sox on the screen. She spent many summer evenings watching the early innings of a game and was always ready to discuss the players' performances.

Auntie Mad and Uncle Ed created a home where everyone was welcome. People could stop by to watch a game, cheer for the Patriots or Red Sox, sit on the porch, or simply spend time together. Although they had no children of their own, they welcomed many people into their lives and hearts.

Madeline is survived by her brother, Peter Abraham, and his wife, Susan, of North Attleboro; her sister, Geraldine Ferreira, and her husband, Ken, of Dartmouth; and her brother, Ronnie Abraham, and his wife, Joanne, of Rochester.

She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews, including Peter Abraham, Karen Foley, Kristen Milett, Ryan Abraham, Matthew Abraham, Kevin Ferreira, Bethany Canniff, Patrick Bowen, and Tim Bowen, as well as Maureen Bowen. They were all dear to Madeline, and she shared sleepovers, lunches, beach trips, and countless other adventures with them while they were growing up.

Madeline was especially close to Maureen and Tim Bowen and their children, Kylie, Zachary, and Michael. She enjoyed time with them, her grandnieces and grandnephew. In recent years, she treasured their visits at her home at Taber Mill, and small family gatherings brought her great joy.

Madeline's family extends its sincere appreciation to the staff at Sippican Nursing Home and Rehabilitation for the care they provided over the last several months. The family also thanks the teams at Coastline Elderly Services and Home Instead of Westport, whose support helped Madeline remain independent at home before her recent illness.

The family is especially grateful to Madeline's close friends and family members for their compassion, visits, and companionship during the final months of her life. Their presence meant a great deal to Madeline and to everyone who loved her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in East Freetown, Massachusetts. Burial will follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, where Madeline will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Edward. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions in Madeline's name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Donations may be made online by visiting T2T.org. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.