Obituary of Madelyn T. Bruno

Madelyn T. Bruno, deeply beloved mother and grandmother, passed away at her daughter Denise’s home on April 10, 2023, at the age of 77. Madelyn was born to her parents Joseph and Petita Freitas in Cambridge MA, and grew up in Somerville, MA. 

Madelyn had a passion and skill for cosmetology. After graduating from Somerville High School, Madelyn graduated from cosmetology school then began her career in Boston at “Wigs-n-Things.” She continued her education into men’s hair replacement, where she became an expert in the profession, even providing stylist services to a few celebrities, and being an educator to other stylist. Later, Madelyn opened her own business “Hair by Bruno,” which was located in Billerica.  

In her retirement, Madelyn embraced a new passion for being a nanny for several young families, while at the same time fully dedicating herself to the care and nurturing of her only grandson.

When Madelyn wasn’t working at the salon, she cherished time spent with family & friends, sewing, gardening, reading and boating. She enjoyed singing karaoke songs to the likes of Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee and Connie Francis to name a few. At a young age, Madelyn learned how to sew from her Aunt Adeline and would become an exceptional seamstress making clothes for her young children. Later, Madelyn and her friend Judy turned a sewing hobby into a business creating beautiful window treatments. 

Madelyn found in time that she enjoyed traveling. She was grateful to have been able to travel to Europe, Canada, and some warmer destinations including the Caribbean Islands on eight separate cruises. Madelyn and her companion Donald also enjoyed time spent at their cottage on Lake Winnisquam and at their condo on Sanibel Island in Florida.  

Madelyn had a big heart, a warm and friendly disposition and loved giving to others. Madelyn thoroughly enjoyed her daughter Denise’s family dogs, the late Benjamin-a Sheltie and their current mixed breed rescue pup, Tiki, that she shared with her grandson Justin. She was a strong, independent and successful woman of her time; raising two children as a single parent, opening her own businesses and purchasing the triple decker that had been in her family for many years and the Tewksbury home.

Madelyn was the loving partner of Donald J. Bowers of Tewksbury with whom she shared her love of travel, the lake, Florida and their home in Tewksbury for more than 25 years. She was the much beloved mother of Denise Bruno-Matthews of Lexington, and cherished grandmother to Denise’s son, Justin Bruno of Lexington. She is deeply beloved by her youngest daughter Bonnie Bruno who currently lives with her spouse, Peggy Sheets, in Hollis, NH. Madelyn’s siblings include Joseph Freitas of Quincy, Daniel Freitas of Newton, Theresa Freitas of Arlington, Nicholas Freitas of Arlington, and the late Christopher Freitas. 

Madelyn’s daughters have foregone calling hours.  A funeral mass for Madelyn will be held on Friday, April 14, at 10:00 AM at Saint Brigid’s Church, 1981 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02421. Madelyn’s daughters request that all respect their wishes for a private burial at Puritan Lawn Cemetery, 185 Lake Street, Peabody, MA 01960. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Madelyn’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. 

For online guestbook, service information and tribute video, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net