Marilyn Elaine 'Mary' Madsen, 77

Marilyn Elaine “Mary” Madsen peacefully left us on Thursday, July 7, 2016, surrounded by her family and loved ones in Sandpoint, Idaho. She was 77 years old.

Mary was born April 12, 1939, in Sandpoint, to Basil and Dorothy Gooby.

One of four children, Mary and her brothers Richard “Dick,” Robert “Bob,” and Patrick “Pat,” were raised on the family farm in Sandpoint.

After graduating from Sandpoint High School, Mary began working in the Harold’s IGA Cafe where she met her sweetheart, Melvin “Mel” Madsen. The couple was married Jan. 24, 1958, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Mary and Mel raised three dear children, Lori, Juli, and Scott in their 58-year marriage. Possessing truly generous and loving hearts, Mary and Mel also helped care for and raise seven grandchildren —Brooke, Holli-Rae, Paul, Jarae, David, Valerie, and Brian.

Mary is remembered and celebrated for her loving spirit, warm heart, resilient nature, and her witty and sharp sense of humor. She loved working word-search puzzles, morning coffee with her “coffee crew” and playing cards, especially with her grandchildren.

Mary was a tremendously loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. Known fondly to her loved ones as “Gran,” she took boundless pride in her grandchildren, attending many school functions, musical concerts, and sporting events they participated in. Her unconditional love never faltered and she was always just a phone call away. Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye and played a huge part in her life. For that she will be deeply missed.

Mary is survived by her husband, Melvin Madsen; her children, Lori Yaw, Juli (Anthony) Tucker, and Scott (Teri) Madsen. She is also survived by her brothers, Richard, Robert, and Patrick Gooby; and by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Basil and Dorothy Gooby. Private family services have already been held.

Our Gran’s memory will be carried on through a legacy of love and laughter in our own lives.

She will be forever missed, cherished, and honored by each of us.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Mary’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.