Madeline C. Sawaya

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Madeline C. Sawaya

Madeline Sawaya passed away peacefully on July 3, 2018, surrounded by loved ones.

Madeline was born to parents Michael and Roshaade Malouf on September 6, 1921 in the backseat of a taxicab in Los Angeles, California. She grew up with three sisters, and was the valedictorian of her graduating high school class in Evanston, Wyoming. The following year on July 7, 1940, she married Michael (Mike) Sawaya, her beloved husband of 59 years.

Madeline and Mike lived for many years in Pocatello and Twin Falls, Idaho, where Mike worked for the U.S. Postal Service. While raising their three kids, Madeline earned more than 3,000 hours as a volunteer in the hospital auxiliary. She had a love for Lebanese cooking, reading, sewing, and playing bridge with friends. Above all, Madeline’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sisters Rosaline Attey and Josephine Drazich.

Madeline is survived by her younger sister, Edna Holman; her children: Dr. Michael P. Sawaya Jr. of Las Vegas; Carolyn and Tom Hopkins of Millcreek; and Diane and Scott Brown, also of Millcreek; 10 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 10 (soon to be 11) great-grandchildren; and a large extended family whom she loved dearly. Madeline took great pride that all 10 of her grandchildren were college graduates. Her grandchildren cherish the memories of their Nana’s homemade Christmas ornaments, chocolate-chip cookies, and greeting cards.

A celebration of her life was held July 7 at Starks Funeral Parlor. Online condolences may be offered and a video tribute slideshow may be viewed at www.starksfuneral.com.