Mrs. Madalina L. "Maddy" Ricciardelli, 83, left this life on Monday, September 19, 2016 after a long and gallant battle with lymphoma.

Madalina Ricciardelli was born in Manhattan in 1933, the daughter of Giaquinto and Josephine Meschino. She married her loving husband of 50 years, Richard P. Ricciardelli, in 1957 and moved to the Peterstown section of Elizabeth, New Jersey. In 1962, the year of birth for the couple's first child, they bought a house in Colonia, New Jersey-- and stayed.

First and foremost a mother and homemaker, Madalina was steadfast in her devotion to her family. Her love and dedication to her children was boundless, her tireless work on their behalf, inspiring. As her children aged, she took a job outside the home, working for Alpine Aromatics in Edison NJ for close to 25 years until her retirement in 2001.

In 2013 Maddy was diagnosed with lymphoma, stage four. Always a pillar of strength, she battled back, recovered and took the diagnosis and her recovery as a call to joy. She spent the next few years in her remission out and about and gallivanting, often with her BFF, Jacqueline "Jackie" Coleman. Whether cooking, serving or dancing at VFW Post 471, at Zumba, Tai Chi or Yoga classes, visiting friends and family or attending her grandchildren's events, she could be seen out on the town and causing a stir most days and nights of the week.

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Ricciardelli, in 2007. She was also predeceased by her brother, Joseph Meschino.

Surviving are her daughter, Marie Westervelt and her husband, William Westervelt; her sons, Michael and his companion, Cheryl Papp, and Peter Ricciardelli; her sister, Mary Weissbach; her six grandchildren: Alexandra and Richard A. Ricciardelli, Joseph and Anthony Ricciardelli, and William Jr. and Savanna Westervelt. Blessed with 23 nieces and nephews and too many friends like family to list, our Maddy leaves this life sorely missed, deeply mourned and truly loved.

Funeral services will take place on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 8:45 a.m. from Costello-Koyen Funeral home ( www.costello-koyen.com ) 399 Avenel Street, Avenel.   A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 9:30 a.m. at Saint John Vianney R.C. Church, Colonia. Interment will be in St. Gertrude's Cemetery, Colonia. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.