A decade ago, the family of Kelly Madden, a cherished grandmother, wished to commemorate her life in a unique way. Madden’s grandson, Ed Primeau, began sending her a balloon for each year of her age. The practice resumed on July 17, when Madden arrived at her senior living home, American House Wildwood in Wildwood, to find the ceiling covered with 100 colorful balloons.
Madden and her younger sister were both born and raised in Bay City, Michigan. She worked as the only female employee at cleaners after high school.
Madden built pistons for airplane engines when World War II broke out — when she wasn’t “playing poker with the guys just to kill time,” that is.
Madden’s spouse, Ed Primeau, died in a workplace fire when he was 39 years old. Madden claimed that women’s employment options were restricted at the time, and she had no desire to clean houses or sell real estate. Madden, on the other hand, needed to work in order to support her family.
Madden did something even better than taking a job she didn’t want. She launched her own company.
Madden used what little money she had to go to beauty school before opening a salon in her basement. Madden also built a pool, according to Marilyn Primeau of the Village of Gilchrist, Madden’s daughter-in-law, so that her young sons could play with their friends.
After remarrying, Madden eventually shuttered the salon and spent her retirement traveling with her spouse.
Madden’s family astonished her with balloons before taking her out for supper at Prima Italian Steakhouse in Brownwood. Patty Torres, of American House Wildwood, praised the family for going above and above for their grandmother.
“It’s amazing when things like this happen at American House because when so many loved ones come to celebrate our residents like that it feels like our family as well,” Torres said. “It’s very nice to see how loved she is.”
Madden distributed the balloons to American House Wildwood workers with children after the party so they could enjoy them at home. That’s the kind of lady she is, according to her family.
“I’ve had a very happy life,” Madden said. “I’m feeling well, and I guess that’s all that matters.”
