Madeline McNulty Colbert Blakely was born on St. Patrick’s Day, 1925 to John and Anne McNulty in Waltham, Massachusetts. She attended local schools, graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1942. She married Robert L. Colbert, Sr. in September 1945, and over the years gave birth to six children: Robert Jr., Patricia, Carolyn, Michael, Catherine and Stephen. In 1970 she fulfilled a dream to move west to Arizona, much to her Mother’s fear that she would have to fight Indians and ride around in a covered wagon! She met Louis G. Blakely through his establishing of a handicapped troop of the Boy Scouts of America. She married him in November 1973 and became the step mother of John and Joni. Madeline and Lou became involved in the Disabled American Veterans Phoenix Chapter 1. She served as the Commander of the DAV Auxiliary as well as the State of Arizona Department Commander. She loved to travel and went to places like Rhode Island, California, Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain and drove across the United States in a motor home with Lou. She also lived in Massachusetts, Washington State, Guam, France, New Hampshire, Arizona and California. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her. Visitation from 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. with a Funeral Service at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ. Interment to follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 12:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in Madeline Blakely’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1028 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85006, 602.528.0545.
Anne McNamara
Madeline was quite a woman and she will be missed! One fond memory is her 90th birthday party at the Irish Culural Center in Phoenix! My thoughts and prayers are with Cathy, Rob, Steve and Carol! I hope she is making an Irish toast in Heaven!
Kelley Mcneill
Dear Cathy, Rob and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mother was a beautiful Irish lass and I am lucky to have known her. I will always have fond memories of her coming to Corbin’s for Friday happy hour. Her spirit was strong and the love for her family was immense. I know Cathy that there were difficult moments trying to help her maintain her independence…what a wonderful daughter you were! Rob I know that from afar you were strength and support for she and Cathy.
Rest In Peace dear Madeline as you find eternal peace in heaven. My love to all. God bless.
Bob & Marianne McNamara
Dear Cathy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and you family as you address Madeline’s passing.
Edward and Helen MacIntyre
Madeline will never really leave us, her memory will remain and what a special lady. She lived a good life and did it “HER WAY”. To he family she leaves behind, our prayers are with you, but I know you must have so many great memories that will stay with you all of your life. We are proud to call her our friend.
Helen and EddieMacIntyre
Meg Gardner
Cathy, Rob, Carol and Steve, I truly loved your Mom and will miss our fun times. I will always have many wonderful memories .