Eva Madden

Eva Justine Baca O’Grady Madden lived 97 happy and productive years (September 26, 1927 - November 21, 2024).  She took great pride in her family and accomplishments and always made an impression on others with her outgoing, exuberant personality. Eva was born in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and in her words, “directly descended from prominent families of colonial New Mexico”. She spent her early childhood in Santa Rosa with four siblings, assisted through the depression by grandparents and involvement in the Catholic Church. She followed her older sisters to Los Angeles, did some “Rosie Riveter” work during WWII, and graduated from LA High and UCLA in 1950 with a degree in Social Service.

Eva was hired first by American Airlines as a stewardess, then Pan American Airlines the following year. She met pilot John L. O’Grady (Purple Heart recipient, USN) who rescued the “hot babe” in San Juan as she was desperately flight-hopping to report to her first Pan-Am assignment in NY on time. They married in Rome in 1953 at the Basilica of Saint Peter’s. Eva and John had four children; Juanita, Eva Marie (“Ree”), John (“Johnny O”), and James (“Jimmy”). The family moved from NY to NH in 1969 after many summers at Lake Winnipesaukee. In 1973, Eva and John established, owned and successfully operated Kingswood Travel Service in Wolfeboro. She continued the business after John’s death in 1976 for about five years and later married Leonard Madden. She and Len enjoyed winters in Makaha Valley, Hawaii and many RV trips all over the USA from their home base in Melvin Village. They later settled at Sugar Hill Retirement Community where Eva was actively involved in the Social Committee and Board. Len predeceased Eva who most recently resided and was cared for at Mountain View Community.

Eva leaves behind a long list of loving children, grand and great-grandchildren. She was especially proud of those who served in the military. Juanita O’Grady Hill and James Hill; Patrick Hill; Corey and Andrew Theriault, Camilla and Leona; Josie and Tad Skelley, Madden and Colbie. Eva Marie and Keith Haney; Jennifer Haney Armstrong and Josh Armstrong, Alex, Jason, Kailee, Zack, Cassie, Sam, and Sadie; Kelly Haney (deceased); Melissa Haney and Brian Veroneau, Colin, Griffin and Sean. John Patrick O’Grady (deceased) and Barbara O’Grady Ruddle; John and Jocelyn O’Grady, Owen and Gavin; Daniel O’Grady. James and Melaney O’Grady; Justin and Crystal O’Grady, Abby, Leah and Nora.

Funeral service for Eva is at St. Katharine Drexel on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

In memory of Eva, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Katharine Drexel Youth Ministry program or any charity that moves your heart.

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