Madeline J. McElwain, age 86 of Billerica, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Born in Cambridge on June 23, 1939, Madeline was one of three daughters of the late Michael and Ida (Russis) Herman.
For many years, she was a proud member of the Emblem Club and Elks Lodge of Billerica. In addition, she loved reading and shared the love of seasonal camping with her husband Bob and family. As a young wife and mother, she enjoyed participating in a weekly bowling league. One of her greatest joys was playing card games with her granddaughters and grandsons.
Madeline is lovingly survived by her husband, Robert McElwain; her sons and her daughter, Robert McElwain, Jr. of Billerica, Michael McElwain of Billerica, William McElwain, and his wife Jean of Billerica, Patricia McElwain of Wilmington, and John McElwain and his wife Ann of Billerica. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Butts of Wilmington, and 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Madeline was predeceased by her son, Joseph Scott McElwain, her sisters, Claire and Adele Herman; her grandson, Rory McElwain, and her great-grandchildren, Madeline and John McElwain III.
Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, August 25th in Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Road, Billerica from 4-7 p.m. Funeral Tuesday morning from the funeral home at 11:30 a.m., with a Graveside Service in Fox Hill Cemetery, 130 Andover Road, Billerica at 12:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Madeline’s memory to The American Kidney Foundation.
Previous Events
Visitation
25
Aug
66 Concord Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Graveside
26
Aug
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
Cemetery Details
Location
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821