It is with a heavy heart that the family of Mary Madeline Muise announce her passing on May 5, 2024 in Fair Haven, New Jersey, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.
Madeline was born on February 10, 1943, in Albany, New York to William L. Riley and Margaret Hoffman Riley. Madeline was the eldest of three children. Madeline graduated from the College of Saint Rose in Albany with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Madeline had a passion for the arts and music and excelled in drama, forensics and piano in high school and college. After college, Madeline moved to Boston where she met her beloved husband of 59 years, Richard W. Muise. Madeline and Richard shortly thereafter moved to Fair Haven, New Jersey in 1972 where they made a beautiful home and raised their daughters Deborah Moore and Pamela Kane.
Madeline’s life was marked by a deep commitment to family and friends, compassion for others and community. Madeline was always keen for an adventure and a lifelong learner. Madeline dedicated her lifelong work to helping individuals, couples and families find renewed meaning, purpose and joy in their lives. Madeline received a Master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University and went on to have a long and fulfilling career as a Mediator and Marriage and Family Therapist. Madeline was in private practice at Mediation & Therapy Associated where she was known for her work with families experiencing divorce and was passionate about supporting and empowering families. Madeline never retired, found joy in her work and was happily talking to her clients to the very end.
Community was dear to Madeline; she was a member of AAUW for over fifty years, where she made some of her dearest friends. Madeline and her husband Dick loved to sail and enjoyed their time engaged in activities at the Shrewsbury River Yacht Club. They enjoyed cruising their sailboat, Wave Dancer, in the summers covering the coast from Long Island Sound to Maine. They chartered and sailed numerous times in the British Virgin Islands with family and friends.
Madeline loved to travel and explore other cultures. Madeline and Dick traveled extensively together with some of their favorite trips being New Mexico, Yellowstone, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, France, England, Spain, Greece, China, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Madeline was a student of Angeles Arrien, a well-known cultural anthropologist focusing on the common elements of early people. As part of her many trips to New Mexico, she became very interested in the Navajo culture and art. Madeline was an artist herself and enjoyed sculpting, painting, and capturing scenes from her travels in pastels. Madeline also loved nature, managing a beautiful garden at home as well as enjoying the many visiting birds at her feeders.
Madeline was predeceased by her parents, William and Magaret Riley and nephew Patrick Riley. She is survived by her husband Richard Muise of Fair Haven; her children Deborah Moore (Erik) of Atlanta, GA; Pamela Kane of Oceanport, New Jersey; Jamie Heenehan (Paula) of Apalachin, New York from an earlier relationship; Siblings Jean Riley of New Amsterdam, New York and John Riley (Diane) of Albany, New York; Grandchildren Justin Moore (Katie) of Raleigh, NC, Sophie Moore of Washington, DC, Travis Heenehan of Charlotte, NC, and Monica Heenehan of Johnson City, New York; and five beloved nieces and nephews.
Madeline will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all of those whose lives she touched and enriched.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11 am at St. George's- by-the-River Episcopal Church, 7 Lincoln Ave, Rumson, NJ 07760. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the University of Pennsylvania Pulmonary Department or the Visiting Nurses Association in New Jersey in Madeline’s name. Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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