Madelyn Lucille Lombardo entered eternal life on Sunday, November 9th, 2014. Madelyn was a loving Italian woman born on April 3rd, 1928, to Lucille and Anthony Navarro of Houston. She went on to graduate from San Jacinto High School in 1946 and later The University of Houston in 1950. Madelyn then met and wed the love of her life, Anthony Harry Lombardo, on June 1, 1952, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Houston. Three girls, Dianna, Sharon and Denise were born from that love story, where they grew as a family to live and love in Beaumont.

Madelyn’s fondest memories of her childhood were interactions with her father Anthony, who taught her etiquette and business. She would always speak fondly of the lessons her father taught her in life, which seemed to always prioritize family over strangers, and unity over division. Throughout her life Madelyn worked to make a difference in the lives of those that meant most to her. She was the president of The National Council of Catholic Women; an organization that acts through its members to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. Madelyn was true to her role as a mother and grandmother. She would always rejoice in the opportunities to be together with her family; using holidays as the best of excuses to work endlessly in the kitchen preparing meals for everyone. Madelyn excelled at bringing her family, which included eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren, together. She will be remembered as the leader of her family, that through her direction, love and kindness will continue to share her spirit of unity and faith.

Survivors include her children, Dianna Clayton and her husband, Danny and Sharon Mason and her husband, Carey, all of Beaumont; and Denise Thompson and her husband, Jay, of Plano; eleven grandchildren;  five great-grandchildren; and sister, Geraldine Navarro Priolo and her husband, Angelo, of Houston.

 She is preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Harry Lombardo; and sister, Gloria Navarro.

A gathering of Mrs. Lombardo’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 14, 2014, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.  Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2014, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at 3:00 p.m., at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne Catholic Church, P.O. Box 3429, Beaumont, Texas  77704.