Madeline L. Wells
September 4, 1920  -  February 27, 2017

Madeline L. Wells, a practical, independent woman, passed away February 27, 2017, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam, CT. She was born September 4, 1920, in Putnam, CT, daughter of the late Arthur and Lillian (Bousquet) Wells. Madeline dwelled nearly her entire life at the Valley Road home in East Killingly that also served as her father's village store, and graduated with the Killingly High School Class of 1938. 
During WWII, Madeline showed considerable welding skill while working as a ship builder's assistant at the Walsh-Kaiser Shipyard in Providence, RI. On Thursday evenings, she rode her bicycle up North Road to take her weekly shift as a plane spotter. Soon after, she started her career as a telephone operator, earning accolades for quick thinking in the days before 9-1-1. As a little girl, Madeline learned to harmonize at her mother's side. She served as organist for Our Lady of Peace in East Killingly, and was more recently a communicant at St. James Church in Danielson. She sang with The Happy Singers and was a member of the Concert Choir of Northeastern Connecticut for over 50 years. Madeline loved dogs, especially Airedales, and was active throughout her life with swimming, badminton, cross-country skiing and, well into her 90s, league bowling with Bowl O' Nuts at Friendly Bowl. She donated over 15 gallons of blood through the Red Cross and was a regular at Zip's Diner. She spent several comfortable years at Westcott Wilcox Retirement Home in Danielson.
Predeceased by her brother Richard and his wife Stephanie, Madeline leaves her helpful pal Phyllis Emigh and the many friends she accumulated from her various activities. Her family treasures are archived with the Killingly Historical Society. 

Photograph courtesy of Phyllis Emigh:   Piecing together a few clues, I think this was taken between the late 70s or early/mid 80s.