Madelyn Wilma (Longway) Lincoln

BRUNSWICK – Surrounded by loving family, Madelyn Wilma (Longway) Lincoln passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, 19 days shy of 99 years old. She was born in Freeport, on Oct. 26, 1926, the daughter of David H. and Josephine M. Longway.

Madelyn spent her childhood on a farm in Durham, where as the youngest of nine she worked farm chores such as caring for animals, splitting wood, haying (could lift a hay bale herself at age 12) and working in the garden. Some of her fondest memories were of being with her sisters, dancing, singing and making their own entertainment. Holidays were a highlight, for though they didn’t have much they made the best of it. Her greatest delight was getting an orange in the bottom of her Christmas stocking. Madelyn went to a one room school house and was the only of her family to get a high school degree. As children, a kindly neighbor hauled all the kids to school in a horse drawn wagon during muddy springs. Madelyn recalled when her sister Leatrice complained that she could walk faster than the wagon and was booted off- she kept her own mouth shut. The high school was too far to travel to daily so at the age-of-13, Madelyn rented a room by herself in a Freeport women’s boarding house, worked at a soda fountain to pay for her room, then hitched a ride home on weekends. She was determined to finish her education which she did, graduated top of her class and was disappointed when her papa said no to the business school scholarship she was offered. But that was unheard of in her day. She looked back sadly that most of the young men she started high school with lost their lives in Wold War II, and in fact carried a silver dollar given to her by one of them for most of her life.

She never forgot their sacrifice and fostered a lifelong interest in history and world politics. She lived through 17 presidents(!) and had an opinion on all of them.

Madelyn was an independent woman ahead of her time. At the age of 18 she flew to California

where she lived for three years and worked for the IRS. She loved California but missed family so she returned to Maine where she rekindled a romance and married John F. “Jack” Lincoln.

They raised three daughters in Kittery Point, with summers on Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro, Maine. In both locations, Madelyn was a mom to many along with her own, and she kept an open door policy, insisting there was always room for one more. Many adventures ensued, with Madelyn the voice of reason as Jack was determined to provide the most exciting of childhoods to the girls. She put her foot down when Jack purchased a parachute at auction and planned to haul daughter Jane behind the boat with it. When tested, she got her way!

Sadly, Jack passed away in 1984 when Madelyn was only 58. Rather than be bitter about the circumstances, Madelyn expertly managed her finances and homes while staying active in a variety of hobbies. Madelyn was an excellent bridge player and played competitively for many years both in Maine and on Florida trips. After moving to senior living in Topsham, Madelyn spent time teaching others how to play, having incredible patience while secretly wishing the others had a bit more desire to WIN – she was an aggressive bidder! She also was an active golfer well into her 80’s, and it was on the golf course that her daughters first heard her utter a profanity – she took her golf seriously too. Madelyn was always moving; a lifelong exerciser, gardener, and fabulous cook. Her blueberry cakes and apple and strawberry rhubarb pies were legendary in the lake neighborhood. As a young woman Madelyn was an incredible dancer and recalled going to dance halls like in Old Orchard Beach where Duke Ellington’s and Benny Goodman’s bands would play. With no shame, she said she would scout the hall for the best dancer and set her sights. Until the end of her life, if there was music on, she was dancing, moving, or tapping her feet. Madelyn loved to travel and made many new friends on her trips to England, Scotland and winters in Florida. Madelyn also never lost her curiosity about the world and was a voracious reader and lifelong learner, taking classes on a variety of topics into her elderly years.

More than all these things, Madelyn’s most treasured role was that of mother and grandmother, and there was no better. Madelyn always supported her daughters’ endeavors and was adamant they all receive a college education. She considered providing her daughters with an education one of her greatest accomplishments. She followed their careers with pride, and while still offering motherly advice, became the best friend everyone wishes they had. As a grandmother, Madelyn managed her four rambunctious grandsons with overwhelming joy and love, always ready to care for them on a moment’s notice, and answer any question, no matter how shocking. In her mind, they could do no wrong! Starting with high school graduations she would wish to live ‘a few more years’ to witness their next important milestone – no one was more surprised than her that she instead saw all the graduations, including college, and two weddings. She became a trusted advisor and support for them as they became adults. How blessed her family is to have had her unyielding love and guidance for so many years. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten by the many lives she touched.

Madelyn is survived by her daughters Jane L. Lincoln and partner Susan Sparaco of

Farmingdale, Janice L. LaVangie and husband Jim of Portsmouth, N.H,; grandsons, Daniel L.

Syverson and wife Jade of Buxton, Peter J. LaVangie of Rocky Hill, Conn., Michael J. LaVangie and wife Kristin of Waltham, Mass., and John J. “Jack” LaVangie of South Boston, Mass., along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Jack Lincoln and daughter Joyce A. Lincoln. Per her wishes there are no services planned. We would like to thank the staff of The Highlands – Governor King in Topsham, for the loving care she received, for which we will be forever grateful.

As a lifelong animal lover and children’ s advocate, donations in her name may be made to Midcoast Humane Society or Good Shepherd Food Bank, which ensures needy children receive meals.