Madalyn Bahakel Ward, 74, of Gadsden, Alabama, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026. Madalyn was born in Birmingham, AL, on March 11, 1952. She was the oldest of 9 children. Madalyn was a great oldest sister. She was always so loving and generous and was a big help with her younger siblings, "the 3 little ones".

Madalyn graduated from John Carroll High School in 1970. She attended Sacred Heart College / Cullman College where she was President of her Sorority, Pi Kappa Delta. She graduated with an Associate's degree in 1972. Madalyn went to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL, and received a Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare degree a semester early, in December 1973. She then began her career as a State of Alabama Social Worker in Cullman, AL.

Madalyn loved helping people, a passion that was evident throughout her many, many years as a Social Worker in Cullman County. Her dedication to helping others led to one of her cases receiving national attention and being featured on the renowned television program 60 Minutes, a testament to the meaningful impact of her work.

Madalyn was active in the Cullman community. She was President of the Pilot Club in Cullman for many years.

Madalyn was predeceased by her father, Phillip Bahakel; her brother, Joseph Bahakel; and her husband, Daryl Ward. She is survived by her mother, Nevrik Bahakel, and her siblings: Elizabeth (Alan) Ratliff, S. Phillip Bahakel, Mary Ann (Mike) Denny, Martha Holcomb, Anthony (Peggy) Bahakel, Raymond Bahakel, and Brenda (Alan) Welborn, as well as many nieces and nephews

Pallbearers will be Raymond Bahakel, brother; Phillip Bahakel, brother; Alex Denny, nephew; Alan Welborn, brother-in-law; and Hall Welborn, nephew.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 11 am - 12 noon at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home, 2209 East Broad Street, Gadsden, AL 35903. Funeral services will begin at 12 noon with burial to follow.