Gert Madden

Anna Gertrude Madden, fondly known as Gert to her friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at her home in Erma, New Jersey. Born on September 29, 1939, in Cape May, New Jersey, Gert lived a vibrant and full life marked by her spirited nature and faith-filled heart.

Gert, the daughter of the late Douglass and Anna Wilson, grew up in the quaint seaside town of Cape May where she also completed her education at Cape May High School. Her early work life saw her as a diligent waitress, and later she became a familiar voice as a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone. Eventually, Gert found her true calling in social work, where she dedicated her career to helping others as a Social Worker for Cape May County Social Services until her well-earned retirement.

She married the love of her life, Walter Madden, who predeceased her. Together they raised a family that included their daughters, Donna Holmes (Ken), and the late Patricia Myers (Ray), as well as their son, Scott Madden (Tracy). Gert was a beacon of love and strength to her family, and she was deeply saddened by the loss of her grandson Kyle Bove, granddaughter Jessica Myers, and grandson Brandon Grace. Her legacy continues through her 7 surviving grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish the memories and lessons she imparted.

Gert, a Mayflower descendant, was the last of her siblings, leaving behind a family that admired her as the matriarch and cornerstone. Her unwavering support and guidance were the fabric that held the family together, and her presence will be profoundly missed.

A woman of diverse interests, Gert enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid traveler, finding joy in exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. Her love for gardening was evident in the colorful blooms that adorned her yard each spring. Gert also found contentment in shopping, completing puzzles, and spending winters under the warm Florida sun, where she made lifelong friends and memories.
Those who knew Gert will remember her for her indomitable spirit and her unwavering faith. She was a woman who faced life’s challenges with grace and determination, always finding a reason to smile and a way to uplift those around her. Her laughter was infectious, her advice was wise, and her doors were always open to friends and family in need of comfort or a hearty meal.

As we say goodbye to Anna Gertrude Madden, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a woman dearly loved. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us, just as the stars continue to shine above the Cape May Shores she once called home. Gert’s journey on earth may have come to a close, but her story will be told for generations to come, as an example of a life well-lived and a person well-loved.

Interment will be private.