Obituary of Maria Rosario"Sara" Madar

Maria Rosario “Sara” Madar Oct 5,1932-Feb 4,2021 From Ponce to Paradise Maria Rosario Madar was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on October 5, 1932. Called by her middle name in her early years, the name “Rosario” was shortened to “Saro” and eventually evolved to “Sara” as we knew her today. Sara was born 7th out of 8 children on Condado St. (one brother and seven sisters). Her Dad, Domingo “Papa” Rivera worked in the pharmaceutical field for Moscoso Pharmacy in Ponce. Her mom, Petra “Mama” Rivera was a dedicated homemaker. The Riveras were strong in faith and was proud of their Puerto Rican/U.S. heritage. Sara was predeceased by her husband Robert C. Madar and son Michael C. Madar, family dog Munson, her parents Domingo and Petra Rivera, and siblings Luis Albert Rivera, Carmen Rivera, Luz Castro, Eloisa Rivera, Gloria Hilbert, and Rose Zsampar. Sara is survived by her son Robert K. Madar and daughter-in-law Lynn Madar (Schmidt) of Trumbull, grandchildren: Michelle Madar (John Fox) of Saugus MA, Bobby X. Madar of Trumbull. and Bacardi the Rescue Dog. She is also survived by her sole surviving sister Petra Collazo, sister/brother in laws: Raquel Rivera, Marcia & Robert Engle, Joan & Jim Flynn as well and 18 nieces and nephews including her first niece, Miriam Munnelly who was more like a sister to her and shared the same birthday. In 1951, the family moved to Fairfield, Connecticut, but eventually settled in the south section of Bridgeport near Seaside Park. Sara had just graduated from Ponce High School and now relocated to the Park City. Sara graduated from Cosmetology School to become a Beautician for Victor’s Beauty Salon in downtown Bridgeport. “No Beauty School Dropout Here!” Washing and cutting hair for blue hair ladies was her vocation until the mid-60’s when her two children became her focus. The Rivera sisters loved to dance. What Puerto Rican Doesn’t? The Ritz Ballroom Dance Hall in Black Rock is where she met this streetwise Marine and east side kid, Robert C. Madar whom she fell in love and married in August 1960. Robert K., her first born, arrived in 1962 and Michael C. four years later. In fact, Sara was working through her ninth month of pregnancy at the Beauty Salon, and after a long day setting perms and haircuts, Michael came calling. They rushed her to the hospital in the nick of time when Michael arrived breached. Sara retired from the working world to become a full-time mom to raise her two sons, a job she cherished. Later, her two sons would return the favor. Sara and the Rivera Clan would gather on Sunday afternoons after church at her parent’s house on Rennell Street in Bridgeport. Arroz con Pollo on Sunday afternoons was one of many dishes served. Sara returned to the working world in the mid 80’s as a Fitting room associate at Howland Steinbach in Fairfield where she came home with such stories as customers going into the fitting room with 4 blouses and walking out with bulges in their pants with only 1 blouse in hand. She stopped many pilferages and was named employee of the Month. Sara was known as the “Sheriff of the Fitting Room.” Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones and Marc Anthony were Sara’s idols. “Please Release Me” would play on the huge Zenith Stereophonic record player in the living room on Saturday afternoons. One magic moment was seeing Tom Jones live at the Palace in Stamford, CT. with her sister Gloria Hilbert. Suddenly, laced underwear was being thrown at Tom Jones on stage from their general direction. We won’t say who threw the laced underwear. Marc Anthony performed at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, as the Golden Girls: Sara, Petra Collazo and Nelda Arias, enjoyed a “Vivir Mi Vida” moment. Sara loved being a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and attended their Little league games, School events, RCA and Follies performances. Michelle and Bobby X looked forward to “Wednesday at Grandma’s” as grandma made some of her home cooking which included her famous Spanish rice with Chicken and tasty tostones with bacon! Truth be told, the kids elected to eat Duchess chicken fingers instead and Grandma would always provide that when they arrived each Wednesday. After her husband Robert C. passed in 2000 her two sons Robert and Michael took good care of Mom and kept her involved in many social events, including Yankee Games, Church picnics, Broadway shows, and Casino trips to Mohegan Sun. Age and health took their toll on Sara, as she needed additional care which was coordinated and provided by her devoted daughter- in-law Lynn who often slept downstairs six nights a week in case she needed anything. Michael would stay over on Saturday nights to watch over Mom as well. The family was also assisted by the wonderful care provided by her Shamrock home care angels: Kerry Denzel, Emelyn Dumont, Rose Destil, and Maureen Walsh. Sara became a Facebook sensation in her final decade of life as she was introduced to new friends and family in photos and youtube videos and was a good sport in all the antics asked of her. Her favorite role was the characters: Sara the Greek” & Sugar Hill Sara who predicted Super Bowls and NCAA Final Four teams. A devout Roman Catholic with a natural sweetness, Sara was one of the most selfless human beings anyone would ever know. As she struggled with the Covid 19 virus for 30 days at Bridgeport Hospital, she would often respond to her Nurses at Bridgeport Hospital, “God Bless You!” They all loved her and wanted to take her home. On her final day on Earth, Bridgeport Hospital called me (her son Robert) and I had the opportunity to sit with her and hold her hand one last time as she was struggling with her breathing. I talked to her about her eventual reunion with her husband Robert and son Michael along with Mama, Papa, Albert, Luz, Carmen, Eloisa, Gloria, and Rose and other family members on the other side. Sara has now “Finished the Race” from Ponce to Paradise. She will be missed by all who knew her. VIVA PONCE! Calling hours will be held on Saturday (February 13th)from 3-6 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center (Mask wearing and social distancing will be observed). All other services will be private. To order flowers online, for travel directions, or to sign her guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com