Florencia Madden Obituary

Florencia Madden, 78, of Benton Harbor, MI passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025 at her home in Benton Harbor. She was born July 18, 1947 in Chicago, IL to Herman and Floretta (Brooks) Richmond

Florencia lived her life both professionally and personally to the fullest. She was the first African American flight attendant for TWA Airlines, she was an Ordained Minister, she was the first woman to hold the post of curator at The South Side Community Art Center, Chicago, IL, and most recently a published author. Florencia was a very accomplished professional and her personal life was no different. Florencia was a beloved daughter, sibling, wife, mother, aunt, and friend. Everyone who knew Florencia “Tugar” “Flo” Madden knew that she was the light and the life of the party ….even if it wasn’t her party! Florencia wished happiness, peace, and joy to everyone that she encountered during her life. Her wonderful spirit will always remain with her family and friends. We all have an angel in heaven watching over us!

Florencia will be greatly missed by her son, William James Arnold IV; her siblings, Corliss (the late Tom) Vaughn, and Dawn (Phil) Ham-Ying; her nieces and nephews, Brandon, Christopher (Shanele), Erin (Carlos), Philip II (Nora), Melissa, Stephen, and Ryne (Jessica); and many great nieces and great nephews and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Madden; her brother Jon Yates; and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or the United Negro College Fund, www.uncf.org.