Madelyn Louise Gitschlag

December 23, 1931 - October 3, 2020

Madelyn Gitschlag passed away peacefully at her home in Dublin, Ohio, on Saturday October 3, 2020 at the age of 88, surrounded by family. Born in Detroit Michigan on December 23, 1931 to the late Ernest and Florence (Warner) Kelly. Madelyn was a graduate of Our Lady of Mercy High School, class of 1949. Due to her excellent shorthand and typing skills, she was recommended for a secretarial job at Western and Southern Life Insurance Company and deferred enrollment to the University of Detroit. Madelyn enjoyed working and climbed the secretarial ranks, eventually working for the Teamsters as a secretary to Jimmy Hoffa. Madelyn gave up her secretarial career when she became a mother, dedicating her time to her children, paper mache pumpkins, skinned knees and big hugs. Madelyn loved to travel and was an avid card player. She had a wide circle of friends and enjoyed getting together for dinner with her girlfriends, going to the casinos, weekly card clubs and trips across Michigan and the Midwest. She was an active member of numerous senior centers as well as the Red Hats. Madelyn took great joy in the successes and accomplishments of her children and grandchildren and will be remembered for her independent spirit, her warm smile, her devout belief in the grace of God, her love of Christmas, and her love and devotion to her family. Madelyn is survived by her daughter, Karen Bennick Pfriem and her husband, Jeff Pfriem of Powell, Ohio; three grandchildren, Tyler Pfriem, Cassie Abke and James Abke; one great grandchild; many nieces and nephews; and numerous other family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Gitschlag; first husband of 40 years, Peter Bennick; son, Dale Bennick; brothers, William and Daniel Kelly; and one great-grandchild. Special thank you to Capital City Hospice of Columbus, Ohio for their care and compassion and to the dedicated personal aides in Dublin, Ohio whose kindness and compassion will be forever appreciated. Private services and interment at White Chapel Cemetery, Troy MI, will follow at a later date.