OBITUARY

Madelyn K. Swope

August 10, 1928 – April 11, 2024

Madelyn was born on August 10, 1928 in Philadelphia to Madelena and George Raupp. She was an only child but had a large extended family of German heritage in the Philadelphia area. They called her "Dolly" for most of her childhood because she was such a pretty little girl. Madelyn grew up during the depression. Times were hard and the family moved to Bucks County, PA. They had a chicken farm there and she missed school at least once a week to help her father. She did graduate from Bensalem Township High School in 1946. She was a member of the high school band where she played coronet.

Following her graduation, the family made the move to Florida. They settled in Ocala, FL. Mom was active in the women's softball league there where she was a pitcher and her father was one of the coaches. The Ocala All Stars made it to the semifinals of the state playoff in 1950. Mom was working at the McCrory's store in Ocala when she met Glenn Swope who was also employed there. They were married on November 11,1950. Daughter, Debra Lynn was born in 1954. They moved about in Central Florida living in Eustis and Winter Haven before settling in Melbourne where they remained the rest of their lives. Daughter, Donna Sue, was born in Melbourne in 1958.

Dad was employed at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral until his retirement. They lived in the Lake Washington area for over forty years in a house that her father, George Raupp, built for the family. During retirement, Mom and Dad enjoyed attending U of F Gator football games, fishing in their boat, and playing golf. Mom also enjoyed crafts, puzzles and gardening.

They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary just a few weeks before Dad's sudden and unexpected death on November 29, 2012. Following Dad's death, Mom lived with daughter, Donna, for several years before moving to Brookdale Assisted Living and later to Indian River Center where she resided for four years.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Survivors include her daughters, Debra Fritts of Spokane, WA and Donna Boyd of Melbourne. There are six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends for Madelyn will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at The Life Event Center At Florida Memorial followed by a celebration of life at 3:00 PM.