Madeline C. Ciofani

MADELINE C. CIOFANI (née Thomas) age 87, beloved wife for 63 years of the late Romeo; loving mother of Rocco (Linda), Lisa Basham, Anthony (Connie), and Jennifer; devoted grandmother of Jennie Rose (Derrick), Carli Faykus (Christopher), Mindy Mackey (Justin), Marco, Robert Basham, Anthony and Vincent and great-grandmother of Trevor, Graden, Leona, Marshall, Natalie, and Jessie; cherished daughter of the late Floyd and Mary (née Telischak) Thomas; dearest sister of Virginia Cola (Ron, deceased), Gary Thomas, and the late CDR Floyd Thomas, USCG (Lee); dear aunt, great-aunt and cousin of many.

Madeline was born on December 21, 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Willoughby Union High School’s class of 1956. Later in life she pursued her associates degree at Lakeland Community College (1980) and went on to earn her BS degree at Vermont College. Her love for Lakeland Community College led her to devote many years to the advancement of the College. She served as the president of the Lakeland Alumni Association. Madeline was honored in 2013, getting inducted into the Lakeland Alumni Hall of Fame. Every time she drove around the campus with family, she always reminded everyone that Romeo erected the clock tower at the main entrance.

Madeline was a devout Catholic since childhood and a founding member of St. Noel’s Church. She volunteered her time to teach Catechism and was a Eucharistic Minister. She dedicated many years to the Willoughby Hills city council meetings, by recording the meeting minutes. In her free time, Madeline taught piano, enjoyed golfing, dancing, traveling, jazz music, but most importantly, her family. Sunday family spaghetti dinners were the highlight of her week, and there was always an open invitation to eat with Ciofani’s. She loved social outings and belonged to many golf leagues.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Madeline to the Lakeland Alumni Association. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at St. Noel Catholic Church 35200 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094 at 11 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Madeline at DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY 4-8 PM.