Madeline Parker Avinger, a current resident of Daphne, Alabama, passed away Thurs., Apr. 25, 2024, from complications caused by Lewy Body Dementia. She was born May 31, 1946, in Mobile, Alabama. Madeline attended St. Catherine’s Grammar School and graduated from Convent of Mercy, class 1964. After graduating from High School, Madeline pursued a career that followed her passion for teaching the art of Dance. Since 1966, she was a teacher and director with the Sheffield School of Dance in Mobile. She was Director of the Chickasaw location for 14 years. Her career with Sheffield spanned over 50 years.
She was a member of the Professional Dance Teacher’s Association (PDTA). She received her early training with Mary Lou Sheffield Noletto. She has studied with many famous teachers and choreographers in New York, New Orleans, and other areas, having studied at the June Taylor Studio while in New York. Former studies also include the Teachers training School of the Dance Master of America. She performed numerous roles as a Soloist for the Mobile Theatre Guild Dance Wing in Mobile, Alabama.
From 1990 to 2000, she was the owner and director of Madeline Avinger School of Dance in Foley, Alabama. As a teacher, she helped initiate dance therapeutics for the preschool at the Springhill School for Special Children. She was a member of “Very Special Arts of Alabama”, a group by the John F. Kennedy Foundation of the Arts. She attended a Special Olympics training school which certified her as a Special Olympics gymnastic coach.
Madeine lived in Orange Beach, Alabama from 1987 to 2018 and during this time, she was very active in her church, St. Thomas by the Sea Catholic Church. She was presented the Christ the King medal by Archbishop Rodi for her dedication for her Faith and Church.
Also, Madeline was a very active member of the Gulf shores Lions Club. She served on many committees and Past President. She received the Lion of the Year award and the Melvin Jones Fellow. She also served many years as a committee member of The Alabama Lions High School Leadership Forum at Troy University.
Beside raising 5 children, she made time to be a part of their activities, such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc. Madeline was a very kind and giving person. Madeline was preceded in death by her father, Edward L. Parker, and mother, Eloise Noletto Parker. She is survived by her husband, Patrick L. Avinger, Sr. of 60 years.; son, Patrick L. Avinger, Jr (Margaret); daughters, Suzanne Mosley (Tim), Christine Avinger, Cecelia Avinger, Maureen Waldrop (Richard); sister, Shannon Thomson; grandchildren, Bayleigh Thompson, Daniel Thompson, Chad Brown (Haily), Miranda Bang (Caleb), Lee Avinger, and Isaac Waldrop; step grandchildren, David Mosley (Anna) and Emily Roberson (Brad); great grandchildren, Marleigh Brown, Marlin Brown and Parker Bang; step great granddaughter, Millie Roberson, many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Special caregivers, Melonie Maddox, Kelly Wood, and Mary Lee Matzenger.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated, Friday, May 3, 2024, at 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery, Mobile at 1:00pm.
