Madge Wilson, a dedicated employee of New Community since its founding in 1968 who embodied the organization’s mission like no other, passed away on June 25. She was 93.
For more than four decades, Wilson worked tirelessly to help residents of Newark improve the quality of their lives as she served in various roles on behalf of New Community. From collecting holiday gifts for children to securing housing for military veterans to finding furnishings for new residents’ apartments, her efforts made a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.
“I thank God for the opportunity to have met Ms. Wilson,” said Simone Gagneron, President and CEO of New Community. “She influenced, inspired, and helped me to work harder, to love stronger, to have faith, and to be a proud servant to the community. She was an angel walking among us: selfless, giving, caring, and thoughtful.”
Wilson met the late Monsignor William J. Linder, founder of New Community, at Queen of Angels parish in 1962 where he was first assigned after graduating from the seminary and becoming an ordained priest. After he and other community members started New Community in 1968, Wilson became involved with Babyland Nursery, which supported the organization’s early efforts to provide childcare services to Newark families. In 1980, she officially joined New Community as an employee and became a manager for family and senior housing.
“There are people who live long lives. There are people who live successful lives. And then there are people who live significant lives,” said Frances Teabout, New Community Director of Mission. “Ms. Wilson did all three. She lived long. She lived well. But most importantly, she lived a significant life of service.”
She organized the annual Christmas toy drive in the 1980s to distribute gifts to children in need, a service she continued until just a few years ago. Each Thanksgiving, she distributed donated turkeys to families in need. Wilson also worked with the National Council of Jewish Women Essex County (NCJW/Essex) to help New Community and Saint Rose of Lima families receive school supplies, shoes, clothing, winter coats, and toiletries.
“Madge embodied in her tireless service to community residents the true essence of principled and pragmatic empathy and charity for her sisters and brothers in what Dr. King called ‘the beloved community,’” said Richard Cammarieri, New Community Director of Community Engagement.
As a member of the Property Management Department at New Community, Wilson arranged for pick up and drop off of donated furniture to help residents create true homes. She also worked to secure housing for military veterans, many of whom had been on the brink of homelessness. In addition, she assisted the Veterans Administration Hospital in East Orange and Lyons to ensure veterans had a safe place to go upon discharge. Wilson eventually became New Community’s Outreach Coordinator and was a long-time member of the organization’s Board of Directors.
“Madge had a gift,” said Edgar Nemorin, New Community Board of Directors Interim Chairman. “She could see a need long before it was spoken. If a family was struggling, she was already gathering clothes and essentials for them, often times using her own money. If children needed toys or gifts, she gathered them to bring joy and make them feel celebrated and valued. If someone needed housing, Madge was already advocating—relentlessly—until they had a place to call home.”
Whether a stranger or a lifelong friend, everyone who crossed Wilson’s path experienced her kindness. When Linder had health issues and was living in Extended Care, Wilson visited him every night after work to ensure that he had company.
“Her greatest gift is that she left a lasting impression on you whether you knew her all your life or for a short period,” Gagneron said. “The fact that you felt seen and appreciated in her presence will stay with you for a lifetime. All of us at New Community will carry on her legacy and continue to grow and develop community leaders in her honor.”
Wilson was formally recognized on numerous occasions for her work. In 2011, she received a letter of recognition from President Barack Obama. She was honored as an Essex County Legend by the Essex County Division of Senior Services in 2010, was named Volunteer of the Year by the Health Care Association of New Jersey in 2016, and received the Saint Vincent Academy Woman of Distinction Award in 2017. Despite the impressive accolades, Wilson was never one who worked for recognition.
“Imagine trying to explain to someone what a ‘life of service’ means to a community. Instead, you show them a photograph of Ms. Madge Wilson. Enough said,” said Lesley D. Leslie, a former New Community employee and longtime friend of Wilson. “I met Ms. Madge when I was a teenager. Always the personification of hope, and integrity. She will remain for me a true example of love, faith, dedication and commitment.”
In 2021, Wilson said in an interview, “I said when I came to work for New Community that I would never leave and that I just wanted to be able to help people. To make a difference in their lives. And I’ve done that.”
