Celebrating the life of
Madeleine Thompson Walker
February 15, 1917 - August 31, 2008
Madeleine Thompson Walker died peacefully at her home on Sunday, August 31st, 2008.
Born on February 15, 1917 in Savannah, Georgia, Madeleine was the daughter of Natalie Marguerite Cafiero and John Bernard Thompson, Senior. After graduating from Saint Vincent's Academy in Savannah, Madeleine attended and graduated from the Claremont Kindergarten Training School in New York City. While in New York, she continued lessons in her beloved ballet and received her teacher's certificate from Chalif's School of Ballet. Madeleine returned home to Savannah and, in 1940, opened Little Folks School. The school was divided into Nursery, Kindergarten and Primary School. Madeleine also opened her first ballet school the same year in the Savannah Hotel and taught ballet classes in the afternoon. This began her long career in the art of Ballet and her dedication to the children of Savannah.
Mrs. Walker was the director of the Madeleine T. Walker School of Ballet until 2004 and continued as artistic consultant until 2006. She was affectionately known as "Miss Madeleine" to her numerous students. She was passionate about teaching and has been an inspiration to generations of Savannahians who have been instilled with her enthusiasm and love of dance. Her students and their families were an important part of her life. Madeleine was one of the founders of the Savannah Ballet Guild, a non-profit organization, which was formed in 1964 as a means to give career-minded dancers an opportunity to receive advanced training. She was dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential, not only as a dancer but as a person.
Madeleine enjoyed membership in the Savannah Yacht Club and the Savannah Golf Club. She also enjoyed playing bridge, not only for the game, but for the companionship of her friends. She was a long time communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church.
Madeleine was married to John Sigmund Walker for fifty-one years until his death in 1993. Her brother, John Bernard Thompson, Junior also preceded her in death. She is survived by her two daughters, Madeleine Walker Perry Bluffton, South Carolina and Natalie Walker Deriso and her husband, Clark Savannah, Georgia; three grandchildren: Kenneth Eugene Perry, Junior Bainbridge Island, Washington; Elise Perry Zador and her husband, Anthony Savannah, Georgia; Natasha Morgan Ganem and her husband, Stephen Savannah, Georgia. She is also survived by four great grandchildren, as well as nephews, nieces and friends who loved to celebrate special times with her. Madeleine will be remembered by many for her loving and gracious manner.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, from 4:00 until 6:00 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors on Hodgson Memorial Drive.
A private graveside service will be held.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, remembrances be made to Blessed Sacrament Church - 1003 East Victory Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31405 or to the Restoration Fund of The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist - 222 East Harris Street, Savannah Georgia 31401.
FOX AND WEEKS FUENRAL DIRECTORS HODGSON CHAPEL
Please sign our guestbook online at www.foxandweeks.com
Only today found this notice of Miss Madeleine's passing. Many of us on a Savannah facebook site were reminiscing with delight, admiration and nostalgia about having been students at her ballet school way back when. Ms. Madeleine was a wonderful influence on us in more than just ballet -- she was an example of elegance, poise, charm, professionalism and integrity that lives on in the memories of the thousands of children whose lives she touched and influenced. May she rest in peace, and sympathies, although belated, to her beautiful daughters Natalie and Susan, and the rest of her family, on her loss.
- Shelley E. Slotin Berlin, Atlanta, GA
I taught at dance at Savannah Arts Academy for a few years in the early 2000's and my daughter attended Miss Madeleine's ballet school while we lived in the Savannah area. Miss Madeleine was the kindest, gentlest person. I just came across her obituary and I was deeply sadden by her lost. She was a great teacher and person. I am so honored to have known her.
- Bernadette Sanders, Huntersville, NC
I just learned of Miss Madeleine's passing today. I spent many, many, years in her studio as a child and teenager. She made a lasting impression on me! I like to think she is teaching the children in heaven.
- Angela Curtis Belue, Besok, Atlanta, GA
Ms. Madeleine, When I found out today from a friend that you had left us tears flowed so heavy as to make it almost impossible to see the keyboard from which these words will flow. I can feel the cool leather from the chair that you allowed to stay for me to sit while one daughter was in ballet class and the warm breath of another on my shoulder soon to be in the same class for she always followed in her sister's footsteps. You were always so kind to me knowing how difficult it was for me being the only father at that time in a place where fathers dare to go. Anyways Ms. Madeleine never in my life time will I forget you and what ever comes next I hope to meet you again. A Friend Willie
- Willie Jones, Savannah, GA
My mother, Helen Peterson, cried on the telephone to me as she recalled the memories that we, as a dancing family, shared with Madeleine. Madeleine wrote my letter of recommendation to the North Carolina School of the Arts and I attribute to her much of my dancing career. My experiences with her and the Savannah Ballet Guild have carried me far and I will never forget all that she gave to me and to her many students to carry us through our professional years. She held and carried a full life and will not be easily forgotten. Sincerely, Eileen Peterson Edgcomb
- Eileen Edgcomb, Reno, NV
Miss Madeleine was truly a queen. She inspired not only her dance students but their parents, as well, who knew that time spent in her company would make a special contribution to their children's lives. We will all miss this lovely lady.
- Angela and Gordon Gale, Hardeeville, SC
We are saddened to hear of Madeleine's passing but so many wonderful memories come to mind that ease the sorrow; a smile that could brighten a room, her infectious laugh and quick wit, a strong, yet gentle presence. Madeleine created joy where ever she went - a joy of dancing, a joy for life. We are better people for having known her. Madeleine will be greatly missed but the love she gave so freely will reside in our hearts always. Love and prayers, Cathy and Mark
- Cathy & Mark McCurry, Chapel Hill, NC
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in your family. Madeline was a incredible woman and someone I always considered to be like an aunt to me. I will forever cherish the many wonderful memories I have of her. On behalf of my entire family, please know how sorry we are for your loss. All my love, Brooksie
- Brooksie McCoy Safrit, Myrtle Beach, SC
Our thought and prayers are with you in these times of sorrow. Ms. Walker was not only a family friend but a wonderful shoulder to lean on when you thought you were alone in this world. I enjoyed sitting and talking with her at the studio while my granddaughter Madison was taking lessions from 'Ms. Gay'. We had such fun remembering all the old times. She was indeed one of a kind and we will all miss her. Bobbie Jackson/Mrs Hugh Jackson,III
- Bobbie Jackson, Savannah, GA
I'm sure there is a special place reserved for Ms Madeleine but we will certainly miss her here on earth. The last time we saw her, she still had that twinkle in her eye and that is how we will all remember her.We are so sorry for your loss.
- The Khalidi Family, Savannah, GA
Dear Natalie and Susan. Your Mother was so dear to us. We are going to miss her very much. She would always come out and talk with us every time we would come to her house. She had such a wonderful smile. You are in our hearts and prayers. Betty and Larry
- Betty and Larry Wiggins, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Susan and Natalie, Mary just called with the news of your Mom's journey to her new home in heaven. I remember how she always intrigued me as a child with her grace, beauty, and kindness. I still treasure the memories of our times together on your porch at the beach while playing the record “Tammy†a million times. In addition to your Mom’s beauty she had tons of patience. I feel blessed to have known her as a child and to have seen her this past March as beautiful as ever. Please know you and your families are being held in prayer as you begin this new part of your life. Blessings and love to you all! Kamy MacKrell Watson
- Kamy MacKrell Watson, Aurora, OR
Only today found this notice of Miss Madeleine's passing. Many of us on a Savannah facebook site were reminiscing with delight, admiration and nostalgia about having been students at her ballet school way back when. Ms. Madeleine was a wonderful influence on us in more than just ballet -- she was an example of elegance, poise, charm, professionalism and integrity that lives on in the memories of the thousands of children whose lives she touched and influenced. May she rest in peace, and sympathies, although belated, to her beautiful daughters Natalie and Susan, and the rest of her family, on her loss.
- Shelley E. Slotin Berlin, Atlanta, GA
I taught at dance at Savannah Arts Academy for a few years in the early 2000's and my daughter attended Miss Madeleine's ballet school while we lived in the Savannah area. Miss Madeleine was the kindest, gentlest person. I just came across her obituary and I was deeply sadden by her lost. She was a great teacher and person. I am so honored to have known her.
- Bernadette Sanders, Huntersville, NC
I just learned of Miss Madeleine's passing today. I spent many, many, years in her studio as a child and teenager. She made a lasting impression on me! I like to think she is teaching the children in heaven.
- Angela Curtis Belue, Besok, Atlanta, GA
Ms. Madeleine, When I found out today from a friend that you had left us tears flowed so heavy as to make it almost impossible to see the keyboard from which these words will flow. I can feel the cool leather from the chair that you allowed to stay for me to sit while one daughter was in ballet class and the warm breath of another on my shoulder soon to be in the same class for she always followed in her sister's footsteps. You were always so kind to me knowing how difficult it was for me being the only father at that time in a place where fathers dare to go. Anyways Ms. Madeleine never in my life time will I forget you and what ever comes next I hope to meet you again. A Friend Willie
- Willie Jones, Savannah, GA
My mother, Helen Peterson, cried on the telephone to me as she recalled the memories that we, as a dancing family, shared with Madeleine. Madeleine wrote my letter of recommendation to the North Carolina School of the Arts and I attribute to her much of my dancing career. My experiences with her and the Savannah Ballet Guild have carried me far and I will never forget all that she gave to me and to her many students to carry us through our professional years. She held and carried a full life and will not be easily forgotten. Sincerely, Eileen Peterson Edgcomb
- Eileen Edgcomb, Reno, NV
Miss Madeleine was truly a queen. She inspired not only her dance students but their parents, as well, who knew that time spent in her company would make a special contribution to their children's lives. We will all miss this lovely lady.
- Angela and Gordon Gale, Hardeeville, SC
We are saddened to hear of Madeleine's passing but so many wonderful memories come to mind that ease the sorrow; a smile that could brighten a room, her infectious laugh and quick wit, a strong, yet gentle presence. Madeleine created joy where ever she went - a joy of dancing, a joy for life. We are better people for having known her. Madeleine will be greatly missed but the love she gave so freely will reside in our hearts always. Love and prayers, Cathy and Mark
- Cathy & Mark McCurry, Chapel Hill, NC
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in your family. Madeline was a incredible woman and someone I always considered to be like an aunt to me. I will forever cherish the many wonderful memories I have of her. On behalf of my entire family, please know how sorry we are for your loss. All my love, Brooksie
- Brooksie McCoy Safrit, Myrtle Beach, SC
Our thought and prayers are with you in these times of sorrow. Ms. Walker was not only a family friend but a wonderful shoulder to lean on when you thought you were alone in this world. I enjoyed sitting and talking with her at the studio while my granddaughter Madison was taking lessions from 'Ms. Gay'. We had such fun remembering all the old times. She was indeed one of a kind and we will all miss her. Bobbie Jackson/Mrs Hugh Jackson,III
- Bobbie Jackson, Savannah, GA
I'm sure there is a special place reserved for Ms Madeleine but we will certainly miss her here on earth. The last time we saw her, she still had that twinkle in her eye and that is how we will all remember her.We are so sorry for your loss.
- The Khalidi Family, Savannah, GA
Dear Natalie and Susan. Your Mother was so dear to us. We are going to miss her very much. She would always come out and talk with us every time we would come to her house. She had such a wonderful smile. You are in our hearts and prayers. Betty and Larry
- Betty and Larry Wiggins, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Susan and Natalie, Mary just called with the news of your Mom's journey to her new home in heaven. I remember how she always intrigued me as a child with her grace, beauty, and kindness. I still treasure the memories of our times together on your porch at the beach while playing the record “Tammy†a million times. In addition to your Mom’s beauty she had tons of patience. I feel blessed to have known her as a child and to have seen her this past March as beautiful as ever. Please know you and your families are being held in prayer as you begin this new part of your life. Blessings and love to you all! Kamy MacKrell Watson
- Kamy MacKrell Watson, Aurora, OR
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
