[1][2] She has been described as one of the strongest female influences in the life of her eldest son, James Madison Jr.,[3][4][5][6][7] and has been credited for her efforts to preserve the Montpelier estate.

[17][18][16] As the Madison children grew up, she played the role of active caregiver, often traveling to the homes of her family members who were sick or in need of support.

[8] She was actively involved in the running of the Montpelier household and 2,650 acre estate, and her family owned over 100 enslaved persons and several indentured servants.

[28] Madison was an avid reader and highly informed in public affairs and current events, and was described by Mary Cutts as a "lady of excellent education, strong mind, and good judgement.

[33] Following the death of her husband in 1801, Madison continued to reside in her own wing of Montpelier and maintained a close relationship with her son James and daughter-in-law Dolley.