VINALHAVEN —  Madelyn M. Hildings, 89, passed away Monday, October 29, 2018 at the Ivan Calderwood Homestead surrounded by her family.

Born on Vinalhaven, December 6, 1928, she was one of eight children of Charles and Ruth Chandler Philbrook.

She graduated from Vinalhaven High School as Salutatorian of the Class of 1947.  

On June 30, 1948 she married Kenneth Hildings in a ceremony held in Union, ME. Together they raised 3 children, Linda, Cheryl and John. Their family was everything and gatherings were held in their home for many years.  

Maddy was an accomplished cook who prepared the majority of holiday meals herself, except when she was aided by her grandchildren, who loved to help her in the kitchen. She was known for her homemade donuts that were sold in the family store.

She had a knack for hanging wallpaper and was often called upon to help decorate many island homes. She worked many odd jobs to help provide for her family, from digging clams to helping deliver babies, as she assisted with the birth of many. She was a member of the Union Church and served as a Deacon.

Maddy was predeceased by her husband Ken and a son-in-law Doug Day; her sisters, Mildred Raynes of Kittery Point, Arlene Johnson of Vinalhaven and Doris Grant of Rockland; as well as three brothers, Karl, Frank and Harold Philbrook, all of Vinalhaven.

She is survived by a brother Lawrence Philbrook and his wife Leanette of Vinalhaven; her daughters, Linda Hufsey and her husband Roger, Cheryl Day; and a son John Hildings and wife Jill, all of Vinalhaven; five grandchildren, Angie, Ken, Jessica, Meredith and Nicholas; 12 great-grandchildren, Dustin, Dani, Maddie, Douglas, Jackson, Kyra, Chase, Henry, Robbie, Charlie, Lydia and Andrew; three great-great-grandchildren, Kailyn, MacKenzie and Noah.

She was affectionately known as “Gram Mad” by all her grandchildren.   

Maddy is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

It is often said that we all have a start date and an end date.  It’s what you do with the dash between them that matters. We believe she lived her dash to the fullest.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 10th, at 11:00 a.m., at the Union Church with Elder Burke Lynch officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Vinalhaven Eldercare Services, 18 Beaver Dam Road, Vinalhaven, ME 04863.

To share a memory or condolence with the Hildings family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.  

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.