A candle flame has flickered and taken its last breath.  On January 10, 2009, Madeline Giacoma Wyatt, Tombstone’s Gracious Lady, died peacefully in her home in Tombstone, Arizona.  Madeline was born on March 10, 1913 to her loving parents, Anthony P. (Tony) and Katherine (Katie) Giacoma.  Hers was a family of heritage who were committed civic leaders and pioneers in the mining industry in Tombstone.  Madeline continued that legacy as a pioneer and educator, touching countless students for four generations who will remember her as their teacher, principal, and mentor.

Madeline loved Tombstone, leaving only to attend Tempe Normal (now Arizona State University) and to take summer classes to continue her higher education.    She started teaching in 1934 as a third grade teacher in Tombstone earning $80 a month and volunteering to teach music, drama, and dancing.  She was also the girls PE teacher. Madeline later became the principal of the Walter J. Meyer Elementary School, the Huachuca City School and the John L. Wyatt Junior High School, a position she held for more than 30 years.  She received her Master’s Degree in School Administration from the University of Arizona.  Along with her husband, John, who was a teacher and the Tombstone High School principal, Madeline gave countless hours to her community and the students of Tombstone, teaching them respect and discipline  for more the 46 years until she retired in 1979.

For over a quarter of a century Madeline directed Tombstone’s “Candlelight Tea”, a grand event that included formal tea and a Christmas program she put on for the community.  Her favorite production was “The Littlest Angel”.  Madeline also played the piano and organ for the Catholic church, and chaired the American Cancer Society and Heart Association fund raising efforts in the county for too many years to count.

She was bestowed countless honors and awards and was always heard to say, ‘I was just doing my job.”   In 1979 when Tombstone celebrated its centennial, Madeline was unanimously selected as the Citizen of the Century.  Madeline was a member of the prestigious Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority where she served as a state officer and was nominated as Woman of Achievement.  In 1970 Madeline also received the first award by the Cochise County Education Association for Outstanding Educator at a ceremony attended by more than 600 of her former students. 

Madeline Giacoma Wyatt was also heralded as the Grand Marshall for parade events including Helldorado and the Rose Celebration.  Though the countless honors and awards were “lovely”, Madeline always said her most esteemed rewards were the success of her students.  Her gifts of generosity, mentorship, leadership, humor and sincerity will etch a lasting impression on many lives.  In Madeline’s own words:

 “To my students, young and old, I thank you sincerely for your love, respect and ability to understand that all decisions were made with your best interests at heart, to use your talents to the fullest and to be the most successful in whatever activities you enjoyed.”

Madeline is preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Katie Giacoma, her beloved husband John L. Wyatt, and her two sisters, Katherine Archer and Adelaide Hoffman.  She is survived by her nieces Sondra Burke (Jim) of Atlanta, Georgia, Barbara Hill (Sam; sons Matthew and James) of Dallas, Texas, Madeline Shefferly (Steve; sons Brian and Kyle) of Parker, Colorado, her nephew Gary Archer (Mary-Ann; Jessica and Ali) of Santa Rosa, California, and a cousin, Madeline Lewis of Tucson.

Donations in Madeline’s name can be given to:  The Madeline Giacoma Wyatt Scholarship Fund set up at Bank of America or c/o the Tombstone Unified School District, PO Box 1000, Tombstone, AZ  85638; the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA Tributes, 520 8th Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018, 1-800-628-0028 or on line; the American Cancer Society, 1636 N. Swan Road #151, Tucson, AZ  85712 or on line; or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 60000, San Francisco, CA 94160 1-800-242-8721 or on line.

The family would like to thank all of Madeline’s devoted friends, former students and care givers who gave so much of their time and energy to her and who cared for her so kindly and lovingly over the past few years.  Your devotion to Madeline allowed her to remain in her home in the Tombstone she loved.

Viewing January 15, 2009 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Tombstone, Az.; Rosary to follow at 7:30 pm. Funeral mass: January 16, 2009, 1:00 pm; Burial at Tombstone Cemetery; Reception to follow at Walter J. Meyer School.

Arrangements entrusted to Dugan Funeral Chapel, Bisbee, AZ 85603. (520) 432-4712.