Erma C. Madden, affectionately known as "Cookie," transitioned from this life on to rest as the Creator wills on March 1, 2024, in Solon, Ohio, at the age of 88.

Born March 8, 1935, in Wampum, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Talmadge and Mary (Groom) Richardson.

As the middle child among eight siblings, Cookie cherished her family deeply.

She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Eula, Wesley, Geraldine, Otis, Regina, and Raymond.

Her brother, Willie Richardson, remains her sole surviving sibling.

Erma was married to the dynamic and charismatic late James "Ted" Madden.

A committed wife, mother, sister, cousin, grandmother and friend, she was fixed on endowing those around her with skills and mindset to lead educated, healthful and independent lifestyles.

She leaves behind a legacy of tenderness and stability to her three daughters, Benita, Brenda and Bridgette, along with eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; son-in-law Michael Bowers; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Throughout her life, Erma was a trailblazer and a hardworking career woman. She started as a humble bean picker. With hard work, she rose to make history at former global luggage manufacturer, Airway Industries Inc., as the first black manager of the local factory.

Her commitment to excellence and perseverance were evident in her career trajectory and she went on to earn many sales accolades and awards.

Passionate about opportunity and equality for the Black community, Erma was a lifetime member of the NAACP, where she once served as treasurer at both local and state levels. She was also an active member of the New Castle, Pennsylvania, advisory committee council in the '60s.

Balancing career, civic duty and a household during the peak of the Civil Rights era, she was a Renaissance Woman ahead of her time and created the idea of "leaning in" and "having it all" before it was trendy. Her advocacy for advanced education and financial savvy empowered many in her community.

A celebration of Erma's life will be held at 1 p.m. March 16, 2024, at Marshall Funeral Home in Wampum, Pennsylvania, with her niece, Evangelist Jacqueline Montgomery, officiating the service.

As we gather to honor her memory, let us remember Cookie for her remarkable contributions, her unwavering spirit and the love she carried for all who knew her.