Community Corner
Community Mourns Passing of Madeline Guarraia
Niantic's Madeline Guarraia inspired people with her bravery and courage, from her local community to Hollywood and beyond.
Niantic resident Madeline Guarraia has been an inspiration for so many in the New London County community and beyond. She helped fight crime in Waterford and made a mark on singer Katy Perry’s life. “Roar” by Perry was Madeline’s theme song and the singer sent her a video message in January 2015.
"I just want to tell you that I love you and that I’m here for you and I did write ‘Roar’ for you,” Perry said in the video below.
The article continues below the video.
In 2013, Madeline was told she was cancer-free after battling leukemia and in 2015, she was diagnosed with leukemia again. The community surrounded the family with love and support, organizing multiple fundraisers and bone marrow drives.
Madeline herself gave that love and support back to the community, organizing a toy drive around Christmas time.
"She is a huge fan of Christmas and wants to pay it forward to other sick kids,” the toy drive notice read. "When asked what she wanted this holiday season one of the things she asked for was for people to donate toys to sick children at Yale New Haven Hospital.”
Her family shared a heartbreaking update on the Mad About Madeline Facebook page, prompting local law enforcement to share the post and express their condolences.
"Today is one of those days that it doesn't make sense to us how this world is still spinning,” the family wrote on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. "With the deepest sadness imaginable, and shattered hearts, our family would like to share that Madeline earned her angel wings early this morning.”
Her family said Madeline passed away peacefully, adding “after 5 years of fighting, she is now forever cured.”
The community is sharing notes of condolences on the announcement and the Montville CT Police Department and the Waterford Fire Engine Company No. 1 said their hearts are with the Guarraia family.
"Madeline sure has made the world a better place,” one woman wrote on the family’s announcement. "Her bravery, strength, courage, and wisdom beyond her years will never be forgotten. May your beautiful memories always bring you peace. Sending prayers of strength and comfort to you and your family. Rest peacefully, Beautiful Madeline.”
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