St. Francis school in Hyannis receives large bequest

Donor’s final act of kindness provides student financial aid

Kathleen Madison went about her life and commitment to her faith in quiet ways but always seemed to have a big impact. She never sought attention for her good works on behalf of people she met throughout her life and in particular her time on Cape Cod as a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic community in Hyannis.

One of her final acts of generosity will resonate for years to come, thanks to a donation of nearly $250,000 bequeathed to St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School. Her gift will be used to provide financial aid to worthy students at the regional Catholic middle school in Hyannis, which serves students from Bourne to Provincetown.

“She did so much for so many and never sought praise or credit.” - Mrs. Jean Haggerty about her friend Kathleen Madison

Her bequest allows the nearly 15-year-old school to extend its financial aid outreach, said Headmaster Robert H. Deburro. “We will have much greater flexibility. Her clear desire was to assist with financial aid assistance to deserving students who otherwise would not be able to afford a St. Francis Xavier Prep education.”

Mrs. Madison’s friend Jean Haggerty made sure one of her final wishes was carried out. “Her faith and respect for education were the most important things to her,” Mrs. Haggerty, of Sandwich, recalled in a recent interview.

Mrs. Madison, according to Mrs. Haggerty, was “very quiet” about whatever she was doing – be it working at the parish gift shop, serving as eucharistic minister, being a pioneer who helped young Irish students find housing and summer work back in the 1970s, or heading up the Ladies Guild as its president. Mrs. Madison, who passed away last June, was an active parishioner at St. Francis, Mrs. Haggerty said.

“She did so much for so many and never sought praise or credit,” Mrs. Haggerty said, although in 1988 her good deeds were recognized when she won the Marian Medal, the highest honor given to laity in the Fall River Diocese.

From the time Kathleen Roche moved from Ireland around 1940 as a young woman of 22, she found ways to help others while living on the North Shore and then Hyannis when she arrived as a fulltime resident in 1970. She was particularly instrumental in helping then-pastor Fr. Edward Byington establish St. Francis Xavier Prep.

Future financial aid awards from the school endowment will be made in the name of Mrs. Madison. Mr. Deburro hopes as the school continues to grow, this type of planned giving will set a precedent.

Courtesy of St. Francis Xavier Prep School.