Madeline H. Vieira, 84

August 09, 2017

Madeline Helen Vieira, 84, of Lititz, PA passed away August 9, 2017 at Signature Senior Living. Born December 31, 1932 in the town of Trepassey in Newfoundland, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Sarah O’ Brien and wife of the late Serafin Thomas Vieira for 59 years.
Madeline and her family came to the United States by way of Ellis Island in the mid 1930’s. Her family settled in Jersey City, NJ, proud to be part of the American dream. “Mickey” spent many happy days playing on those city streets. She graduated from Lincoln High School and began her career at a large insurance company in Manhattan. She would later find employment as a key punch operator at the RCA plant in Harrison, NJ. One day while leading an impromptu Christmas parade through the plant, she was noticed by a fellow employee. That other RCA employee, Serafin Vieira, would later ask the vivacious Madeline to marry him. She left RCA to raise a family and eventually returned to the workplace a few years later. She held various New Jersey state and county government positions including the Hudson County director of public relations and contributed columns to newspapers such as the Jersey Journal and Greenville News during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.
Above all, the most lasting impression Madeline left on all those who knew her was compassion and consideration for all living creatures. She cared about “people, not things” and taught her children to not “mistake kindness for weakness.” She loved animals including the alley cats who would “serenade” us in the middle of the night. Music often filled the air in our house. Whether it be standards, country, rock, or Motown, Madeline would sing along and inspire us to join in. She had a great sense of humor, laughed out loud, and knew how to put people at ease. Our mother taught us how to live life and not just exist.
Madeline was preceded in death by her husband, Serafin Thomas Vieira. She is survived by two children, Thomas S. Vieira, husband of Christine of Lititz, PA and Madeline G. Aldridge, wife of Randall Aldridge of Austin, TX, three grandchildren, Thomas M. Vieira of Lititz, PA, Laura M. Aldridge, and Sarah K. Aldridge both of Austin, TX. Madeline was preceded in death by three siblings, Thomas O’ Brien, Theresa O’ Brien, and Dorothy Connors. Madeline was a member of St. James Catholic church of Lititz, PA.
Services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. Remembrances may be made in the form desired.