FALMOUTH – Madeleine C. Pullen, 85, died Dec. 13, at Sedgewood Commons.

She was born on Feb. 15, 1921, in Monson, to Hilma C. (Erickson) and Adolph Holmbom. She attended schools in Monson and was a 1938 graduate of Monson Academy.

She was president and valedictorian of her class, was editor-in-chief of her yearbook and was active in the drama club and public speaking. She was Monson Academy’s first Winter Carnival Queen.

She attended The Junior College of Commerce (now Quinnipiac University) in New Haven, Conn., graduating cum laude in 1940.

She married J. Record Pullen on June 18, a year later. They enjoyed 55 wonderful years of marriage and cherished the times spent at their camp on Lake Hebron, camping, canoeing, fishing and hiking.

After ‘Rec’ retired, they especially enjoyed their trips to British Columbia, the west coast, Hawaii, and Sweden.

Madeleine loved poetry and was able to recite everything from Robert Frost to The Gettysburg Address.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles.

She was an accomplished musician and instilled that same love of music in all of her children.

She loved nature and her children and grandchildren have that same sense of appreciation. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her family.

She was a devoted member of the United Church of Christ in Dover-Foxcroft, and the women’s fellowship.

She was predeceased by her husband, J. Record Pullen, on April 28, 1996.

She is survived by two sons, Peter W. Pullen and his wife, JoAnn, of Northfield, Mass., Laurence R. Pullen and his wife, Nancy, of Auburn; three daughters, Joan C. Philbrook of Camden, Sandra P. Finley and her husband, Phillip, of Lamoine, and Mary Ellen Tardy and her husband, Josh, of Newport.

She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Thomas W. and Matthew J. Pullen; Brandon R., Michael L. and Ian T. Pullen, Joshua J. Philbrook and Amy C. (Philbrook) Robbins; Megan L. (Finley) Kreie and Jennifer S. (Finley) Elswick; Liza J. (Pembroke) Smith and Ashlie A. (Pembroke) McLeish; and ten great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by one brother, James W. Holmbom, of Monson, as well as several nieces.