Madelyn Eleanor Hanson Berns, age 91, of Dundee, Michigan passed away on March 15, 2015. She was a lifelong resident of Monroe County.

Born in Ann Arbor on December 6, 1923, her parents were Leon and Jessie Stuart Hanson. Mrs. Berns worked a secretary at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church for many years and was active within the church including the Altar Guild and served on the church board.

Her love of history led her to become involved in historical and genealogical groups. She was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, Nancy De Graf Toll Chapter; the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812; Monroe County Genealogical Society, Monroe County Historical Society and she worked as archivist for the Old Mill Museum in Dundee from 1985 to 2001. She was also active in the local community and served on the Dundee Women’s Civic Association, Dundee High School Reunion Committee, and she and her husband were nominated for the Dundee Citizens of the Year award in 1993.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother Wyman Hanson; infant brother Stuart Hanson; and her husband of 72 years, Walter Berns.

She is survived by her children: Karen (Roger) Wheaton of Ann Arbor, Lauren (Debra) Berns of Georgia, Allen (Barbara) Berns of Dundee, Margie (Tony Silva) Berns of Indiana and Gwendolyn White of Virginia; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours Wednesday 2 - 8 PM at Cover Funeral Home, 297 Tecumseh Street in Dundee (734-519-3156). She will lie in state Thursday, March 19, 2015 from 10 AM until 11 AM service at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Ida, Michigan. Officiating will be Rev. Ted Kerr III, pastor of the church. Interment at St. Matthew’s Cemetery in Raisinville Township. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Old Mill Museum, Dundee, or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.