Virginia M. “Madge” DeLuca
January 15, 1927 - June 12, 2020
Virginia M. “Madge” DeLuca, age 93, of Middletown, DE, peacefully passed away in the arms of her niece, Gale Faulkner, with whom she lived with for the last 13 years, on Friday, June 12, 2020.
Born in Key West, FL on January 15, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Edmund Collins and Elma Gertrude (Pinder) Mallory. Madge grew up in Key West where she graduated from the Catholic High School. She later obtained a Nursing Degree and went on to receive a Masters in Nursing Education Curriculum and Instruction in June 1959 from Teacher College, Columbia University in the City of New York. Madge also earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Yale University School of Nursing in June 1962. She dedicated her life to helping others.
Madge had a great love of life, family and animals. She and Tony lived in Connecticut where they loved spending time with their friends, skiing and sailing. Madge also loved visiting her family in Key West, FL. She contributed to many charities, including those that helped animals, of which she had several of her own. Most recently, she was truly loved by her cat, Cosette, and best bud, Pupi, who was by her side until the day he died.
In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anthony J. “Tony” DeLuca, who was the administrator of Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT for many years; sister, Mary Gertrude (Mallory) Roberts; and her beloved brother-in-law, Will P. Roberts, Jr. She is survived by her nieces, Gale Lynn Faulkner (Steven) and Debra Lynn Leonard (Ronald); nephew, Richard Pleasant Roberts (Penny); great niece, Britton Haas (Michael); great nephews, Steven Leonard (Martha), Christopher Leonard (Amber), Jason Leonard (Danielle); and great great nieces and nephews, Revan Haas, Tristan Leonard, Angelina Leonard and Dylan Leonard.
All services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Madge’s memory to Florida Keys SPCA, 5711 College Road, Key West, FL 33040.
Rosemary Ragozzine Foley
We just found Madge’s obituary today. You have my heartfelt condolences. I have wonderful memories of both Madge and Tony from my childhood. Tony called me ” Rascal” and always reminded me to use my imagination. We went with them to many NYC flower shows in the spring and they took me to see the ballet, Giselle, in NYC. We also went sailing many times with them.
Madge was a true intellectual and brought many cultural events and TV programs into our cognizance. We saw them many Thanksgivings and Christmases at my sister, Alberta Inzero’s house.
We lost touch and tried to find Madge over the years both before my mother, Rose, passed (2012) and after. We tried internet searches, but we weren’t successful until now. I also have fond memories of a visit to Key West with my mom. We visited with Mary, Will, Debbie, Gayle, and Ricky.
I’m so glad to hear that she was not alone in her later years. She was so fond of her family.
Please get in touch if you like. I may have a few old pictures of her and Tony. They enriched our lives.