HOLDEN – Madeline F. (Scanlon) Kaskan, age 75, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her family on Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of Frank W. and Kathleen (Howard) Scanlon.
She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Worcester State College in 1970. She was a dedicated and caring kindergarten and elementary school teacher at Union Hill School and then St. Stephen School in Worcester until her retirement. She found working with children enriched her life and hoped it enriched theirs as well. Family was important to Madeline; she raised a son Peter Matthew Kaskan, before fostering two daughters, Lam Lieu and Lan Kantany. Her children and her grandchildren were the light of her life.
Madeline’s generous and caring personality was apparent to all who knew her. She made friends wherever she went and was always available to support those she loved. Her compassion was boundless; encompassing family, friends, and her beloved cats and dogs. In retirement, she enjoyed reading, tending to her garden, sitting by the ocean, baking cookies, and walking in the neighborhood.
She will be missed dearly by her husband, Peter Paul Kaskan, Jr.; her son, Peter Matthew Kaskan and his partner Amanda Shull of New York, NY; daughter Lam Lieu and her husband, Tyler Knapp and his son Cameron Knapp of Worcester; daughter Lan Kantany and her husband, Nicholas of Manchester, CT, and grandchildren Gabriel and Juliet; sister Suzanne Nicholson and her husband, John C. of Lafayette, IN; sister Marie Scanlon of Amherst, MA; and many nieces and nephews she lovingly adored. Besides her parents, she is predeceased by four sisters; Kathleen Scanlon, Patricia Scanlon, Carol Pizza and Barbara Barry.
Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral service at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 23, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her memory may be made to Raising a Reader Massachusetts, 3 School Street, Boston, MA 02108; and Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215.
To share a memory, please visit her tribute wall.