Madeline Sophie Dames passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, after a hard-fought, valiant, 27+ month battle with pancreatic cancer. When Madeline made her transition from this world, she was lovingly surrounded by all three of her sisters: Alice, Lucia, Cecilia; her niece, Sharon, and Sharon’s family (Katie and Everly); along with Madeline’s roommate and surrogate sister, Maria Keena. During Madeline’s short hospice period, various close friends and other family members came by to hold Madeline’s hand, comfort her and say their tearful farewells. She was surrounded by so much love—the same devoted love she gave to her family and friends every day.

Madeline’s family offers their special thanks to Ann Marie Lemcke, who accompanied Madeline to most of her chemo and oncology appointments, along with the oncology and infusion staff at Siteman Cancer Center. We also are indebted to Madeline’s roommate, Maria Keena, and Maria’s friend, Wally Rutherford, for all the devoted care and loving support they provided Madeline during her illness.

Madeline was born in Richmond Heights, Missouri on July 17, 1965. She was 59 and was predeceased by her parents, Urban L. Dames and Joan L. Dames.

Madeline is survived by her sisters Alice Dames, of Creve Couer; Lucia (Dave) Byrns, of Webster Groves; Cecilia (Alf Scherer) Dames, of Vienna, Austria; nieces Jennifer (Michael) Cowan, of Brentwood; Sharon Whittaker (Katie Foster), of St. Louis; Madeline Scherer, of Vienna, Austria; and nephew David (Joselyn) Byrns Jr., of Kansas City, MO. Great nieces include: Everly Sherman and Willow Cowan; great nephews include Christian Byrns and Baby Boy Byrns (due Dec. 21). Madeline also is survived by her uncle Dave (Joanna) Foster of Attleboro, MA, along with numerous cousins, scattered across the country.

In addition to her family, Madeline is lovingly remembered by her countless friends, especially her treasured classmates from Our Lady of Lourdes School and Nerinx Hall High School, along with various artists in the jazz and creative communities. Madeline never knew a stranger and she was always the life of the party, entertaining everyone with her vibrant personality, witty sense of humor, hearty laugh and captivating stories. During her career, Madeline won three Emmys for documentaries she helped write and produce. She also served as a publicist for several renowned jazz artists, most notably John Pizzarelli and Anne Hampton Calloway, both of whom became close friends with Madeline.

Madeline’s memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 23, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 7148 Forsyth, University City, MO, 63130. Family will greet visitors from 10 to 11 AM inside the church. Jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli will offer two musical preludes. Monsignor Mike Turek will be the celebrant. Charlie Brennan and John Carney will provide the eulogies. The service will begin at 11 AM, and it will be livestreamed and recorded on the parish’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@OurLadyofLourdesParish-UCity

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Madeline’s honor can be made to Nerinx Hall High School.

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