Madeleine Marguerite McCullough

Madeleine Marguerite McCullough, 99, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, in her home in Abingdon, Maryland. Born in Fontaine L’Eveque, Belgium, to Bertha and Julien, Madeleine’s life was shaped by resilience, devotion to family, and a spirit of quiet adventure. During World War II, Madeleine met the love of her life, Clarence McCullough, while he was serving in Europe. They married in Belgium in 1945, beginning a partnership marked by deep affection and shared purpose. After the war, Clarence joined the U.S. civil service in Europe as an equipment specialist, and Madeleine embraced the life of an American abroad. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1954, a milestone she cherished. Together, Madeleine and Clarence raised three children—Annette (Abingdon, Maryland), Frances (Indianapolis,Indiana), and Andrew (Winchester, Massachusetts)—while living across Europe. The family made homes in Paris and Frankfurt before settling in Orleans, France, where they lived from 1952 to 1966. After two years in Stuttgart, Germany, they moved to Abingdon, Maryland, in 1968, where Madeleine would reside for the rest of her long and full life. Madeleine and Clarence were devoted parents who believed deeply in giving their children rich experiences. They encouraged music studies in French conservatories, ballet and judo lessons, and involvement in Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. Summers were spent traveling throughout Europe, creating memories that shaped their children’s lives. After Clarence’s passing in 1989, Madeleine began working at Sbarro in Aberdeen, where she became affectionately known as “Sbarro Mom.” She looked after her coworkers with the same care she gave her family, and her presence became a beloved part of the workplace until her retirement. In her later years, Madeleine spent her summers at her cherished “camp” in North Fork, Virginia. Fiercely independent, she welcomed her growing family—three children, eleven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren—to “Shanandoah,” where days were filled with tubing, swimming, fishing, collecting “critters” in the Shenandoah River, and hiking or biking the Blue Ridge Mountains. These summers became a treasured family tradition. Madeleine had a sharp mind and a competitive spirit, especially when it came to card games. She led the bridge club at the Aberdeen Proving Ground Officers’ Club for many years and was known as a formidable—and beloved—partner. She continued playing online well into her later years. She also adored her poodles, ensuring they were always impeccably groomed and well loved. Madeleine’s life was defined by devotion—to her family, her heritage, her adopted country, and the communities she touched. She will be remembered for her strength, her generosity, her independence, and the joy she found in bringing people together. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured and the countless memories she created across nearly a century of life. A private memorial service will be held for immediate family only.

Madeleine Marguerite McCullough

March 21, 1926 - February 24, 2026