Madelyn “Maddy” Burzenski went to be with the angels on Oct. 12 after her courageous and difficult battle with lymphoma. She is survived by her beloved husband and best friend, John; her daughters, Jacquelyn Lavan and Deborah Carley (John); and her blended family sons, John, Carl (Jeannette), and Joel Burzenski. She is also survived by her brothers, Martin (Jean), David (Anita), and Michael Melillo; and her beautiful and cherished grandchildren: Ashley (Stephen), Tyler, Hayley, Michael, Ryan, Brie, Katie, Emmy, Luke, Mia, Hannah and Ava. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends whom she also considered family.

Madelyn will be remembered by all who knew her as a beautiful, elegant lady — caring, compassionate, loving, and giving in every way. She always wanted the best for those she loved. Madelyn loved design in every way: home, fashion, garden, and culinary. “Nonni” loved to feed and entertain her family and friends and did it better than most. She loved traveling and planning the next excursion and was fortunate to visit many wonderful countries and places. She cherished her trips to Italy and, in 2018, was able to spend extended time in the region where her family originated. Later in life, Maddy indulged her passion as a talented painter and found joy in sharing her work with her loved ones.

Her career spanned food service, retail, and legal assistant. She was active in the community with the Branford Flower Club, CIAO Italian Women’s Group, Branford Community Dining Room, and, most recently, as a volunteer reader in the local school system.

Madelyn is predeceased by her parents, Anne and Martin Melillo, and infant brother Mark.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Church of St. John Bosco Parish in Branford. There were no calling hours. The W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, is in care of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Branford Food Pantry, 30 Harrison Avenue #2, Branford, CT 06405, or to the Branford Community Foundation, P.O. Box 462, Branford, CT 06405. Please see her online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com.