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Date published: 10/14/2008

Madeleine C. Jabs

Madeleine Cecile Paradis Jabs passed away the morning of Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, at the age of 71.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Walter L. Jabs of Dumfries; five children and their spouses, Christopher and Kathleen Jabs of Occoquan, Gregory and Ginger Jabs of Manassas, Timothy and Robyn Jabs and Colleen Eller, all of Montclair, and Caroline and Michael Somers of Stafford County; and 11 grandchildren, Cherie Jabs, Bryan Jabs, Michael Jabs, Josephine Eller, Matthew Brewster, Alex Jabs, Luke Eller, Nathaniel Jabs, Hannah Somers, Kerri Somers and Sean Somers.

Madeleine also is survived by her brother, Andre G. Paradis of North Smithfield, R.I.; and many nieces and nephews. Besides family, Madeleine also leaves behind many wonderful lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Pauline Ethier; and two brothers, Maurice Paradis and Rene Paradis.

Madeleine was born March 17, 1937, in Woonsocket, R.I. She met her future husband while working as a secretary and translator at NATO Headquarters in Paris, France, under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Madeleine chose full time motherhood over her career. In 1978, Madeleine and Wally started Wally's Workshop in Dale City, which later became Jabs & Sons Construction and finally Jabs Construction Inc., where she served as office manager for 26 years. Madeleine loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, watching countless baseball games, soccer, wrestling and choral performances. After her retirement in 2004, Madeleine and Wally did a lot of traveling and spent many hours playing bridge with their friends.

The world has truly lost one of the "good people" this world so desperately needs. She will be missed beyond what words can say.

Arrangements were made with Miller Funeral Home and Crematory, Woodbridge. Services will be announced at a later date.

To offer condolences please visit millerfuneral home.net.

Date published: 10/14/2008