On July 11, 2025, Madeleine Doerning, a longtime Alhambra educator and community member, passed away at the age of 95. Her life was a remarkable journey filled with love, adventure, generosity, and a tireless spirit of giving.
Madeleine was the devoted soulmate to Melvin and a proud and loving mother to seven sons. She was also a beloved mother-in-law to six daughters-in-law, treasured grandmother to 13 grandchildren, adored great-grandmother to 7, and a loving sister, aunt, friend, and mentor to many. Her devotion to family was unmatched, and she celebrated 72 beautiful years of marriage with Mel—a testament to a love that was as enduring as it was inspiring.
Born in Iowa, Madeleine graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English. Her love of learning and bold sense of adventure took her far—first to Lima, Peru, where she spent over a year teaching English and exploring the country. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for travel and global culture, and she often shared mementos from her adventures with her children and grandchildren—tokens of the world that helped inspire school projects, curiosity, and a love for exploration in younger generations.
Madeleine was a lifelong educator, working as an early childhood teacher at All Souls School for many years. She had a gift for sparking wonder and excitement in young minds, and she was deeply committed to helping children discover their passions and strengths. Her classroom was a place of warmth, creativity, and encouragement.
She was also an active and devoted member of her community. Madeleine served as a library assistant and volunteer. She served on the Alhambra Library Board of Trustees for 16 years, helping to support literacy and access to learning in her community. As a docent at the Alhambra Historical Society she shared her love of history and storytelling.
An active supporter of youth development, Madeleine was involved in Boy Scouting and never missed an opportunity to champion the interests and growth of children. She was a constant and loving presence at her kids’ and grandkids’ birthdays, graduations, concerts, plays, and sporting events—celebrating every milestone and achievement with genuine pride.
In her personal life, Madeleine had many passions. She was an avid card player and golfer, and an excellent baker who always had fresh cookies in the house—or ready to send home with you. Her home was a place of comfort, filled with the warmth of good food, laughter, and care.
An animal lover and dedicated supporter of wildlife conservation, Madeleine had a deep respect for the natural world. She supported local and international zoos and conservation programs and passed on her love for animals to her children and grandchildren.
Madeleine lived her life with open arms and a heart full of love. Her warmth was magnetic, and her wisdom quiet but powerful. To know her was to be seen, loved, and uplifted. Whether as a teacher, friend, or family matriarch, she had a way of making everyone feel special.
Her life was a grand adventure, one she embraced fully—globe-trotting with joy, nurturing her family with care, and giving of herself without hesitation. She lived with deep purpose and extraordinary grace.
She will be forever honored, forever loved, and eternally missed by her family and community.
