Madeline Merlino

Madeline M. Merlino, fondly known as “Babe” among her Genovese Italian family and friends, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, at the age of 97.
She was predeceased by parents Virginio and Valeria Cella, brother Louie Cella and beloved husband of 75 years, Michael A. Merlino.

Born and raised on Queen Anne Hill, Madeline attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Queen Anne High School. After graduation, she proudly worked in Accounting for Sears, Roebuck & Co.

In 1946, Madeline was introduced to Michael by his sister, Lena, at the Seattle Italian Club. They married in 1947 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the beginning of their remarkable life journey together.

They were fortunate to enjoy countless road trips along the Pacific Coast, while Mike sold pasta for the family’s Majorette Macaroni Co. Madeline was always up for the adventure, with a stop in San Francisco to buy wheels of cheese for her home-made Pesto.

Madeline was proud of her Italian heritage. Her home was a true Italian table with the comfort of recipes passed down through generations, with history, love and tradition in every bite. They traveled back to Italy many times to visit both Madeline’s and Michael’s families.

Michael and Madeline built their first home on Beacon Hill where they raised their 3 children. After 45 years they moved to Alki Beach, then settled into Skyline Retirement Community in 2010.

She is survived by her three children: Joe and Mary Merlino, Michelle Merlino and David Payne, Greg and Janice Merlino, her six grandchildren: Michael Merlino; Christopher and Erin Merlino, Marc Thomas, Jennifer and Doug Gelsleichter; Sophia Merlino and Jane Merlino, and her six great-grandchildren: Kara, Leo, Luca, Landon, Westen, and Ali.
Madeline will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, sharp wit, and unwavering devotion to family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the meals she shared, and the love she gave so freely.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Madeline’s memory to the American Heart Association.