Madeleine Tress

November 27, 1932 – September 26, 2009

On September 26, 2009 San Francisco lost an extraordinary citizen and the gay and lesbian community lost a loving friend, attorney, memoirist and humanitarian, died in her sleep at age 77 after a prolonged illness.

Madeleine was born November 27, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York.  She termed herself a "perpetual student," having attained degrees throughout the years at Georgetown, the London School of Economics, New York University and the Universities of California at Berkeley and San Francisco. For many years she had her own law firm in San Francisco, and argued a job discrimination case that was brought before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In 1962 she met teacher Jan Sibley, the woman whom she would love and live with for the next 40 years. They traveled around the world, attended marches on Washington and the Gay Games, volunteered with the Castro Lions, and owned their own shop, Wholly Cats, dedicated to feline lovers. Together they were a formidable and fun pair, respected and loved by everyone who knew them.

Madeleine's memoirs, Rainbows On The Ceiling, can be found in the SF Public Library. She leaves a loving family, including her brothers Arthur Tress and David Tress; a half brother, Adam Tress; and a half sister, Susan Tress. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call 564-1742 for information.