Hazel Routh Madden

Hazel Routh Madden 1930-2026

Hazel Routh Madden, 95, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026 at her home in Lake Mary. Born Hazel Jessie Routh on June 12, 1930, in Sanford, Florida, she was the eldest daughter of Walter A. and Hazel Packard Routh. Hazel spent her childhood and young adulthood in Sanford, graduating from Seminole High School in 1948. There she met and married her high school sweetheart, Robert Theron Madden and enjoyed 52 years of marriage until his death in 2002. Hazel attended Stetson University before she and her husband moved to Greensboro, North Carolina. She received her B.A. from Guilford College and an M.S. in education from UNC-Greensboro. Hazel was a math teacher for 7 years in Greensboro before she and Theron returned home to Lake Mary, Florida in 1977. She continued her career in education teaching math at South Seminole Middle School until retirement. Hazel was an active member of Alpha Delta Kappa, Seminole chapter.

Hazel’s love for the Lord was reflected in her generous spirit and in service to her church and community. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Longwood and until recently, active in the Senior Adult Ladies’ Bible Study. Hazel loved to entertain by hosting holidays and special meals for family and friends. The daughter of a professional baker, Hazel enjoyed baking using her father’s recipes and made many delicious pound cakes, beautiful wedding cakes, and delectable yeast rolls during her lifetime.

In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Hazel was predeceased by her sister, Marian Routh Chilton and brother, Walter A. Routh, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory daughter Jean Luann (Jeanie) Madden Walker and husband Jerry of Osteen, Florida, and son Sherman Madden and wife Vicky of Durham, North Carolina. Four grandchildren: Sean Madden and wife Sarah, Zachary Madden and wife Tiffany, Bailey Walker, and Robert Walker. Three great-grandchildren: Lucas, Harper Hazel, and Bennett Madden. Hazel will also be missed by her devoted canine companion, Bella.

During Hazel’s last years, her daughter Jeanie was her mother’s primary caregiver, selflessly fulfilling Hazel’s wish to remain in her home. Special thanks to Marsha Hanshew, Hazel’s good friend, who for several years helped Jeanie and her family as Hazel’s health declined. Also thank you to the many family members and friends who visited Hazel during her hospital stays and at home, brightening her days.