Marilyn L. "Mickey" Madison

March 18, 1937 — June 7, 2022

Marilyn L. "Mickey" Madison passed away peacefully at SVMC on June 7, 2022 after a long illness. Mickey was born in Bennington, Vermont on March 18, 1937 to the late Michael and Evelyn Beshara. A lifelong resident of Bennington, she was a member of the 1955 graduating class of Bennington High School. As a student, Mickey participated in sports such as basketball, field hockey and cheerleading. After graduation, she worked as a caregiver for children with disabilities at the St. Catherine's Orphanage in Albany, NY.

On May 5, 1964 Mickey married Michael W. Madison at the Little Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas, Nevada. They temporarily resided in California before returning to Bennington in 1965 to work and raise their family.

Upon their return, Mickey and Mike helped run her parents' business, the Tastee-Freez restaurant, which they operated for over 40 years. Along with their sons, the couple then established the Madison Brewing Co. and later the 421 Craft Bar and Kitchen.

Mickey's contribution of work ethic and mentorship to numerous employees added greatly to the success of these restaurants. She continued to work until her illness and was well known for baking delicious desserts, Middle Eastern dishes and many of the other items on the restaurant's menu.

While baking and cooking were among her main interests, Mickey also enjoyed knitting and crocheting and she was quite the savvy shopper. In her early years, Mickey volunteered as a Gray Lady at SVMC and later in life, she enjoyed trips to Saratoga and Foxwoods Casino to play the slots. But above all she was a family woman, enjoying her time spent with her eight grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Grammy" and "Cookie."

Mickey is survived by her husband, Michael and their children Michelle (Dan) Mazzola, Mark Madison, Michael (Betsy) Madison, and Mel (Nicole) Madison. She also leaves her brother Thomas (Rosemary) Beshara, and sister Elaine Beshara.

To the grandchildren who adored her, she leaves Paul (Dorothy) and James Mazzola, Steven Madison, Camden and Kendal Madison, and Trinity, Jules and Phoenix Madison.

In addition to her parents, Mickey is predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Karen Madison.

There will be no services per Mickey's wishes, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date for close family and friends.

If friends desire, donations in Mickey's memory may be made to the Bennington Children's Advocacy Center through the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

The Madison family would like to extend their thanks to the nurses and staff at Bennington Health and Rehab and SVMC for their kindness and excellent care during Mickey's illness.

Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net

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Marilyn L. "Mickey" Madison

March 18, 1937 — June 7, 2022

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