Madeline Mary Madden

Madeline Madden, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and tireless community servant, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of profound connection, philanthropy, and a deep love for the people and places she held dear.

Madeline’s life was marked by a vibrant spirit and a dedication to leaving her community better than she found it. On August 30, 1980, she married Paul Gnabasik in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, beginning a partnership that would span decades and states.

A woman of varied and impressive talents, Madeline’s career began in New York City with Young & Rubicam. She later brought her forward-thinking vision to Omaha, Nebraska, where she worked for Info USA in the 1990s, pioneering early internet-based data systems for libraries, and later for First National Bank of Omaha. Her professional life in Omaha was defined by her exceptional leadership in institutional advancement, serving as a Development Officer for the College of Saint Mary and as the Director of Annual Funds for the Salvation Army, where she spearheaded the annual Tree of Light campaign. Upon moving to Texas, she continued her impactful career as the Executive Director of the Coastal Bend College Foundation in Beeville, installing the beautiful bees we now see in town.

Deeply passionate about literacy, reading, poetry, and music, Madeline spent her last several years running Texian Books in Beeville and Victoria, Texas. The bookstore became a hub for her community, where she organized book clubs and gathered local artists, fostering a space of warmth and shared ideas.

Madeline was a true champion for the causes she believed in. In Beeville, she dedicated her time to the Lions Club, PanAmerican, Rosetta, Habitat for Humanity, CASA, and the Hall-Rialto Preservation Association. Yet, her truest community-service passion was Rotary. Highly involved in chapters in both Omaha and Beeville, she served as an Assistant District Governor twice, embodying and internalizing the Rotarian motto of "Service Above Self."

She was a woman who loved the world and its people. She had a passion for politics and human connection, and she cherished traveling, exploring the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Cuba, and various islands of the Caribbean. A woman of deep faith, she was an active and devoted member of St. Cecilia’s Cathedral in Omaha and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beeville.

Above all, Madeline cherished her family. She was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Eveline (Kenneth) of Beeville, Texas, and Nora (Drake) of Corpus Christi, Texas. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her two beloved grandchildren, Henry and Caroline, who will fondly remember their days at the bookstore "working for ice cream."

Visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Beeville, with a rosary to be recited at 6 o’ clock.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 7, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Pete Elizardo officiating.

Madeline will be remembered for her brilliant mind, her unwavering dedication to service, and the boundless love she gave to her family and her many friends. She lived a life full of purpose, and her impact will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.