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Madeleine Hoss
Madeleine Hoss, 89, died Sunday, January 22, 2017 at Heritage Healthcare in Normal.Visitation will be Thursday, January 26 at Calvary United Methodist Church in Normal from 4:00 6:00 p.m. with funeral services immediately following.Madeleine was born in Haifa, Palestine on April 18, 1927, the daughter of George and Victoria Msarsa. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Victor Msarsa. She is survived by her two sons, Eric (Terri) Hoss of Bloomington and Kevin (Susan) Hoss of Normal, five grandchildren, Chris, Daniel, Alex, Rachel and Tyler Hoss and her brother, Maurice (Johnnie) Msarsa of Knoxville, TN.Madeleine graduated from Schmidts Girls School and Training College in Jerusalem in 1944 with the goal of being a teacher. After the 1948 war with Israel, she taught Palestinian children of all ages until she left Israel for the United States in 1959. She studied at George Williams College in Chicago where she graduated with a degree in Group Work Education in 1962. She married Frank Hoss in 1962 in New Market, Indiana. She received her Masters Degree in Library Science from Indiana University in 1968. She held various jobs in the field of Library Science in Kansas City, MO, Bloomington, IN, Lake Forest, IL, Fort Dodge, IA and Normal, IL. When she arrived in Normal in 1981 she was employed in the library at Normal Community High School and was later named Head Librarian at University High School library and finally Zimmerman Library at Metcalf Lab School. She retired in 2005. Madeleine frequently spoke about multicultural issues and the role of the library at universities around the world during her tenure at the lab schools in Normal, and was awarded the Strand Diversity Award in 2000.Madeleine was always proud of her heritage as a Palestinian Arab. She visited many churches and schools around Illinois speaking about her background as an Arab, teaching kids how to count and speak in Arabic, and promoting a message of peace. As a self-taught pianist, she enjoyed playing songs wherever she went, including schools and nursing homes in Bloomington-Normal.Madeleine will always be remembered for her outgoing personality and smile. She never met a stranger and would talk about her life in the Holy Land to any and all people that would listen. A life-long educator, she loved to teach children of all ages about her life and the importance of accepting others, no matter their religious background or heritage. More than anything, Madeleine loved her family and was so proud of her two boys and her grandchildren. She never hesitated to brag about their accomplishments to anyone! To her oldest friends, she was Maddy, to her students she was Hoss the Boss, and to her grandkids she was simply Teite. Madeleine will be missed by all.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name to Calvary United Methodist Church or a charity of the donors choice.April 18, 1927 - January 22, 201704/18/192701/22/2017
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Kirby Reese
January 22, 2018
I am so very sorry for your loss. Madeleine was a wonderful lady with boundless enthusiasm, and a genuine caring nature.....a very uplifting individual. Those who knew her......including myself.......were honored to have spent time with her. My sympathies to the family.
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Jim & Sally Turner
January 22, 2018
Eric, Kevin, and family, Sally and I were not able to make either the visitation or the funeral for your Mom. You were in our thoughts and prayers, however. We are sorry for your loss of Madeleine, but are glad she is now beyond any suffering her age may have brought upo... Continue Reading
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Debbie Gorden
January 22, 2018
Dear Eric and Kevin, A light has certainly gone out on the horizon with the passing of your mother. I have had the flu and after a day back at work I dont have it in me to come to the visitation, even though that had been my plan. I have fond memories of your mother. She... Continue Reading
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Denise M Fries-Romack
January 22, 2018
Dear Hoss Family, Our family would like to express our sincere condolences at this sad time. Maddy was a friend and we shared many lunch breaks together at Metcalf. She was a talented lady who loved you all very, very much. Thinking of you, Denise Fries-Romack and family...
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Don Barnard
January 22, 2018
Eric, I wanted to send my condolences to you and your family. It sounds like your mother had an interesting and fulfilling life. May she Rest In Peace. Don Barnard
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Carroll Bross
January 22, 2018
Madeleine volunteered at Evergreen Place while I was working there 2001-2007. She was a memorable person - a bundle of enthusiasm. She had quite a following at Evergreen - would entertain the residents, and then visit and eat with many them. A giving person. My sympathy ... Continue Reading
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Josh Lowe
January 22, 2018
My heart goes out to you and your family. May she live on in your hearts and memories. Sorry for your loss, Eric.
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Robert Atteberry
January 22, 2018
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of a truly wonderful woman. I pray for comfort and peace during these difficult times!
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Chad Benjamin
January 22, 2018
What an amazing women! I will never forget her warm heart and passion for young learners. My life and many others were blessed by her! Rest In Peace!
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Robert Dean
January 22, 2018
I enjoyed many laughs with Madeline over the years at Metcalf. Her head never quit spinning with ideas and her enthusiasm was ever present. She loved spending time with kids and she never tired of telling stories, lots of stories. Perhaps her greatest contribution came v... Continue Reading
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