Madeline Grunbaum

Madeline Grunbaum, 75, of Worcester passed away after a long illness at St. Francis Rehab & Nursing Center in Worcester on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

Madeline was born in 1950 in New York City, the daughter of the late Solomon and Celia (Birnbach) Grunbaum, who were both Jewish refugees from Poland. She leaves her husband David W. Nevard of Worcester, a sister, Linda, of New York City, and many cousins. She is remembered as a warm, funny friend to those who loved her.

Madeline grew up in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. After graduating from Barnard College cum laude, she received a master’s degree in social work from Boston University and also studied at the Boston Psychoanalytic Institute.

Her first job as a psychotherapist was with the Veterans Administration in Bedford, Mass. She later worked in private practice in Dedham, Mass. Hundreds of patients were grateful for kind and thoughtful help.

She and David lived for many years in Waltham before retiring to Worcester. Madeline was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking for friends. African Grey parrots were a passion of Madeline’s life, and she took in and cared for several “rescue” birds. At the time of her passing she had two parrots, Gary and Oskar, as well as two cats, Chairwoman Meow-Meow and Moses.

Madeline requested that after death her body be donated to Harvard Medical School for Anatomical Research. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.