Madelyn Hostetter, 87, artist

Madelyn H. Hostetter of Prospect Street, an artist who was active in promoting better education for women, died Monday, Feb. 28, at her home in the Ridgefield Arms. She was 87 years old and had been a Ridgefielder since 1972.

"She had a life full of fun," said her granddaughter and caregiver, Wendy O'Connell of Ridgefield. "She had an incredible capacity to give."

Mrs. Hostetter was born on March 15, 1912, in New York City, the daughter of Russell and Lillian Haight. She grew up in the city and graduated from high school at the age of 16. Soon after she married John O'Connell, and she began raising a family while pursuing her interest in art. She studied at the Art Students League and took courses in portraiture with Robert Blackman. She also taught art in the city.

The couple eventually moved to Leonia, N.J., where she continued to paint and exhibit her works in local and regional shows, including at the League Gallery in New York and the Teaneck Armory Show in New Jersey.

Her first marriage ended in divorce and in the early 1960s, she married the Rev. Paul V. Hostetter, a Presbyterian minister. The couple lived in Geneva, N.Y., and in St. Mary's City, Md.

Mrs. Hostetter moved to Ridgefield in 1972 soon after Mr. Hostetter's death, living at first in the Prospect Arms, then on Mountainview Avenue. In recent years, she returned to the Prospect Arms.

In Ridgefield she continued her work as an artist, exhibiting in town and in regional shows. "She was very creative, not just with her painting," said a longtime friend, Vicki Yoran of Ridgefield. She wrote plays, tributes to others, and poetry, which she shared with friends, Ms. Yoran said.

For much of her life, Mrs. Hostetter was a member of the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization), which provides scholarships and other educational support for women. Last year she celebrated her 50^th year as a member of the organization.

She had also been active in the First Congregational Church.

Mrs. Hostetter is survived by two sons, John R. O'Connell Jr. of Reston, Va., formerly of Ridgefield, and Robert W. O'Connell of California; a stepson, Philip Hostetter of Hartsdale, N.Y., formerly of Ridgefield; and by three grandchildren.

A memorial service took place at the First Congregational Church. Burial will be in St. Mary's City, Md.

There are no calling hours.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to

The Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.