Madeleine S. Varrin

Madeleine S. Varrin, 92, of Southbury died on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at the River Glen Health Care Center and Nursing Facility.

Madeleine was born in the small picturesque hamlet of Saignelegier, Switzerland, in the Jura Mountain highlands on December 15, 1924, the daughter of the late Edmond Bregnard (a sergeant in the local constabulary of the Canton) and Ernestine “Titine” (Girardin) Bregnard.

Along with her husband, Marcel, and her only son, Michel, the family immigrated to the United States in 1961. After traveling to both coasts and visiting relatives that had come through Ellis Island after the war, the family settled in the Chicago suburbs. After getting “green cards” to become permanent residents, all three became proud US citizens on September 22, 1970.

While her husband worked in the watch industry, she became a stay-at-home mom, a housekeeper, and a French language tutor to her many friends’ sons and daughters. Her last occupation was serving as a “corporate hostess” in the 1980’s for McGraw-Edison Company Corporate Headquarters in Schaumburg, IL.

After moving from Algonquin, IL, in 1999, she became a resident of Heritage Village. For many years, you could see her walk briskly two full loops around Krueger Circle (about 2 miles). And, even her neighbors marveled at her energy level when in her 80’s she would shovel snow from the walkway before the maintenance crews got there. She joked it was the “Swiss” in her!

Madeleine was loved by all who knew her. She always had a warm heart, a giving nature and a great smile for everyone she met. Before moving to CT, she was most famous for making absolutely delicious French dishes for friends, family, and even some of her son’s high school teachers, who would stop by on weekend nights unannounced just to sample her culinary creations, share a glass of fine French wine with Marcel, and have passionate conversations on myriad topics of the day. She just loved being the “Hostess with the Mostest”! And she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Marcel (in 1980) and her sister, Simone (Bregnard) Godat (in 2007). She is survived by her son, Michel (64) and his fiancée, Donna Andrade; her sister, Claudine Bregnard (80); a nephew, Jean Varrin (69); and nieces, Isabelle Varrin (60) and Martine Vuille (57).

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the nurses, physicians, CNAs, and medical staff at River Glen Health Care Center for their compassionate care given to Madeleine in her time of need.

Funeral services and burial will be held in her homeland, Switzerland. To leave online condolences, please visit: www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

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