Madaline Elizabeth Holahan

Madaline Whalen Holahan, nee Margaret Madaline Whalen, she was born January 27, 1924, to Ann and Michael Whalen in Jersey City, New Jersey. Madaline passed to God on November 3, 2021. She died as she lived, with grace.
Madaline was known for her love of her family, God, and the Catholic Church. She shared a marriage of 66 years with her husband, James Holahan who predeceased her. Prior to her marriage, Madaline worked on Wall Street, a job she loved but gave up to start a family. As the oldest of six siblings, Madaline hosted many family events for the extended family of sisters, brothers, and cousins. She continued this tradition as the family grew over the years. Madaline enjoyed golf, bridge, swimming, tai chi, book club and the Valley Club—all activities that included time with friends. She and Jim enjoyed traveling the world and visiting family and friends. They loved to dance together and were often the stars of the dance floor. Throughout her life what always stood out was her impeccable sense of fashion.
When her children were young, Madaline was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. There she participated in the mother’s guild, volunteering for everything from lunch service to musicals. It was through St. Francis that Madaline and Jim made lifelong friends with whom, over the years, they traveled and shared beach houses. When Madaline and Jim moved to Saddle River, New Jersey, they quickly became active and devoted members of St. Gabriel’s. She was a former Treasurer and active member of the National Council of Catholic Women, serving those in need through the Archdiocese of Newark. She will be remembered for her propriety, kindness, generosity and honesty.
Madaline is survived by her children Jay and his wife Angela, Elayne, Philip, Sharon and her husband Mark Gertner, Paul and his wife Julie Grist. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Catherine, James, Tara, Madeline, Oona, Lyra, Philip, Elliot, Douglas, Megan, Cassidy, Sean, and great grandchildren, Elleanor, Olivia, Hudson and Miles.
All these children will remember Mom, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother as a devoted participant and fan for all their activities. She attended all Baptisms, Holy Communions, Confirmations, weddings, graduations, award ceremonies, concerts, book signings, swim meets, baseball, basketball, football, and soccer games. She was always there for them with smiles of encouragement and pride.
She will be missed and in our thoughts every day.
In lieu of flowers, Donations may be sent in Madaline’s name to 
Family Promise, 100 Dayton St., Ridgewood, N. J. 07450
with a note that it is to be used for the Walk-in Dinner Program at the homeless shelter in Hackensack, NJ
Funeral Mass Friday 10:00 AM at St. Gabriel RC Church, Saddle River. Visiting Thursday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Feeney Funeral Home, 232 Franklin Ave, Ridgewood NJ. Feeneyfuneralhome.com