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Madeline Clem

Madeline “Buzz” Clem, 87, of Branford, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 10, 2024 at CT Hospice. Born in Washington, D.C., to the late Lt. Colonel Marshall and Mary Burnette, Buzz spent her early years moving often as her father served in the U.S. Army, finally settling in College Park, Georgia.

She enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1956, where her career as a switchboard operator earned her the nickname Buzz. She loved her time in the service and is a proud member of the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. During her time in the USAF, Buzz met her late husband, William Clem, of Cumberland, Maryland. After marrying, Buzz and Bill spent time living in Cumberland and New Haven, then finally settling in Branford in 1973. Bill was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1972, and for many years, Buzz was an amazing and loving caregiver.

While living in Branford, she became an active member of the community. Her various activities included the Branford Republican Town Committee, a 40-plus year member of the Thimble Island African Violet Society (a gifted grower), a former board member of The Orchard House in Branford, and a member of the Branford Women’s Garden Club (Evening). Buzz was the longest-serving commissioner on the Board of Fire Commissioners Branford, with over 30 years. The Fire Department was as important to her as her family; she loved interacting with the members and was deeply proud of their service to the community. She will be remembered as someone who chose her own path, was happy to give advice on any subject, and was always willing to go above and beyond for many. An outstanding cook and baker, Buzz was well-known for her critique of restaurants with the gifted ability to recreate many wonderful dishes at home. Her other great passion in life was having a beautiful yard and perennial beds, which she worked very hard on each season (Heaven forbid a stick should fall on the lawn!).

Buzz is survived by her daughter Christine and husband Richard Ninteau of Branford; son David and wife Debi Clem of Wallingford; brothers James (Linda) Burnette of Fayetteville, Georgia, Stephen Burnette of Athens, Georgia, Marshall Burnette, Robert Burnette and Victoria Granell all of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren: Kelsey Ninteau (Marc Smeraglino), Hayley Ninteau (Zachary Keck), Zachary, Matthew and Taylor Clem; and great-grandchildren, Waverly and Canaan Keck: as well as many nieces and nephews. Buzz was predeceased by sister Vista Sears, brother William Burnette, and sister-in-law Carol Burnette.

The family would like to thank her many friends for their love and support and offering rides to appointments/shopping, especially Frank and Sharon Giglio; the Branford Fire Department and Chief Thomas Mahoney for the never-ending source of joy and kindness she was shown, as well as Megan Roman PA-C YNHH Palliative Care and the incredible, compassionate staff of CT Hospice in Branford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to James Blackstone Memorial Library in Branford, Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library in Stony Creek, or the Branford Fire Department.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 17, at W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home in Branford. Calling hours will be from 9 to 11 a.m. with service to follow and burial in Branford Center Cemetery.