Delhi, NY - DELHI - On May 18, 2026, Madeline A. Gaffney went to meet her Heavenly Father.

Madeline, Mrs. Gaffney, Maddy, Auntie Babe, Mom. As the Bard once said, "A Rose by any other name..."

She loved to laugh, cats, Elvis, her friends, desserts, Josh Groban, her family and Jesus, although not necessarily in that order. Born in Brooklyn, Maddy spent most of her life in the Delhi area, where she helped raise two children, and for a while, farm animals. They were occasionally difficult to tell apart.

After graduating Abraham Lincoln High School, Maddy worked in NYC as a receptionist for Hugh Hardy and Associates, where she met her second husband Bob Gaffney when he would come in to bid on jobs. They lived in Nanuet for several years, until it became obvious they didn't want to raise their children in the suburbs and so, relocated to Delhi. It was there she took a job at the elementary school as a secretary to the main office, where she loved the children, enjoyed the teachers and tolerated the administration. She remained there until her retirement.

While Maddy might not have thought of herself as being particularly cutting edge, she lived in Brooklyn before it was cool, moved to Delhi before it was cool, and quit smoking before it was cool.

Maddy passed away after nearly a decade of familiarity with cancer, in an increasing number of body parts. As tempting as it is to frame this as a battle, and while Maddy did go through numerous treatments, she simply was more interested in sleeping than she was in keeping track of the cancer. As observed by someone else who was stricken with cancer; when the body dies, it's not like the cancer is heading off to do a victory lap. At worst, it's a draw. Which would be cold comfort to some, but her family is buoyed by the fact that Maddy was looking forward to seeing Jesus. Being one to look for silver linings, she was also excited to get down to her high school weight again.

In a life that sometimes seemed to have more downs than ups, Maddy managed to keep her sense of humor, her faith, and her disdain for throwing anything away. To the people around her she was as familiar as the wallpaper on the house you grew up in. Dated in some ways, worn, and often taken for granted, but always there.

And now she is not.

And the lack of her will be felt in ways great, and small. The local McDonalds will wonder why they are no longer selling as many Caramel Frappés. Her children and friends will mourn the loss of a gifted cook, tenacious Boggle player, loving mother and a truly, truly good soul.

She was predeceased by her parents, Pasquale and Madeline (Roethel) Merla; brother, James Merola (not Merla, it's a long story), and her ex-husband, Bob Gaffney. She is survived by 13 nieces and nephews; brother, Patrick Merla of Greenwich Village; her children; Matthew (Amanda) and Angela (Greg); and several dear friends, Kathy, Cheryl and Meg.

Her family wishes to thank the squadron of doctors, nutritionists, specialists, therapists (physical and otherwise) and aides, who tended to Maddy over the last few years, especially Dr. Parylo, Holly, Donna, and Summer. Without them, Maddy would certainly not have made it to 2026. They would also like to thank Maddy's own unshakeable faith, and whoever invented the soft serve, small chocolate/vanilla twist with sprinkles.

Maddy herself made things easier by her amazingly positive attitude throughout. Regardless of what her body was doing to her, or how difficult things were, whenever she was asked by anyone how she was doing, the reply was immediate and sincere. "I'm Blessed."

There were low points to be sure, but she showed us how to carry on with humor, dignity and grace.

And naps.

Lots of naps.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, Maddy would have asked that you pray for your loved ones. The family asks that you donate to any charity you feel is worthwhile, as Maddy donated to nearly all of them at some point in time.