Madeleine Z. Lisenbee

Albany's French Lady Madeleine Lisenbee died Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at her residence. Graveside funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 AM at Riverside Cemetery. Dr. Charlie Rouse will officiate.

Madeleine was born in Dijon, France and moved to Albany, GA from London, England in 1959. In her early life, she worked as a short hand typist. She loved gardening, dancing, and was an avid bowler, winning many trophies. Later in life, she enjoyed participating in dinner clubs with her friends.

After the death of her husband, Joe in 1961, she returned to France with her four year old baby-Serge "Skiter" Lisenbee and her seven year old daughter, Nancy. After a year in France, Madeleine decided that her children would be better in the United States and returned to Albany, GA. She remained a widow throughout her life.

She began tending bar at Freddie's Office at the Gordon Hotel, a very popular restaurant and nightclub. When Freddie's closed, she went to work at the Ramada Inn. She was offered the opportunity to open her own restaurant, appropriately named "Madeleine's". The restaurant was very popular, and everyone came to visit with Madeleine and share their stories and play games. She was known for listening and never judging others and was liked by all who met her. Madeleine was raised Catholic and remained spiritually devoted to being kind, compassionate, and caring to others. These qualities endeared her to her family and many, many friends who will miss her tremendously.

Survivors include two children, Nancy Lisenbee Rouse and her husband, Rodney of Albany, GA and Serge Henry "Skiter" Lisenbee and his wife, Behanh of Lake Mary, FL, two sisters, Marie Cerdan of Besancon, France and Helene Arpino of St. Maur, France, a brother, Serge Zerjal of Aiques Mortes, France and grandchildren, Brandon Lisenbee, Cory Lisenbee, Karina Lisenbee, Courtney Lisenbee all of St. Mary, FL, Rebecca Blaylock of Mill Springs, NC, Kalena Rouse of Atlanta, GA and Sean Rouse of Tallahassee, FL and three great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday at Mathews Funeral Home.

Those desiring may make donations to GraceWay Recovery Residence, P.O. Box 32, Albany, GA 31702.