Maryellen Reed Madsen

Maryellen Reed Madsen passed away peacefully at home at the age of 95 on February 26, 2025. She was married to Robert (Bob) Trygve Madsen for 72 years, until his passing on January 2, 2025. She is survived by her children, Peter Madsen (Linda), John Madsen (Lydia), Elizabeth Raschke (Mark), and Roberta Reents (Dan), along with 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Maryellen was born on January 1, 1930, in Hibbing, MN to George Dana Reed and Mary Micken Reed. At the age of 5 years, Maryellen lost her father, a lawyer and State senator, to a boating accident. Following this tragedy, her mother, Mary, returned to elementary school teaching.

In the summer of 1941, Maryellen’s family drove out to southern California to be near the Micken family relatives. She and her older siblings (Lois and Bill) began school in San Bernardino while her mother continued to teach elementary school, specializing in reading.

Maryellen graduated from high school in 1947 as the Valedictorian of her class and earned a $250 scholarship to attend San Diego State University to study Art. Unfortunately, after a year of college, the Reed family was experiencing financial difficulties, so Maryellen was encouraged by her sister, Lois, and cousin, Carol, to join them at nursing school in Fairview, MN. In her senior year of nurses’ training, while she was working at Fairview Hospital, she met Bob Madsen who was visiting a friend who was in traction with a bad back. After an exchange of phone numbers, their courtship began.

Maryellen and Bob were married August 23, 1952, a week after she graduated with her RN license. They enjoyed a honeymoon at Lake Louise in the Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Their first home was in Long Lake, MN, outside of the Twin Cities. With Bob’s corporate career, they were transferred several times to New Jersey, to Los Angeles, and lastly to Houston. In 2018 they moved to Lake Travis Independent Living in Lakeway, Texas outside of Austin to be closer to family.

Maryellen was always able to make a house a “home”. She would sew beautiful custom drapes and curtains, wallpaper, paint walls, and decorate. Her own creations of framed oil paintings, cross-stitch, and quilts would adorn the walls. Every room in the home would be inviting, colorful, and organized. Maryellen also had a “green thumb” with plants both inside and out. The gardens were always pruned, weeded and full of colorful flowerbeds. Among her favorites were azaleas, African violets, and bulb plants, especially iris.

Maryellen was an exceptional cook. Her holiday and everyday savory recipes have become family favorites, not to mention her delicious fruit pies (with homemade crust) and Christmas cookies. She managed their home beautifully. Maryellen and Bob enjoyed entertaining in the home with friends who would become long-lasting relationships.

She was a deeply caring, yet no-nonsense mother who was always available for her four children. She taught common sense by example. To help with their children’s college expenses, Maryellen returned to nursing in the late 70’s working at Tomball Community Hospital for 10 years on the med/surg ward primarily for the evening shift. She also volunteered for many years at Houston Northwest Hospital. She was a breast cancer survivor since December of 1998. She was open about her experience and encouraged women to be proactive with their health.

Even with all the above, Maryellen always found time for her creative outlets including sewing, oil painting, various crafts such as stained glass, and finally quilting. She started quilting in 1990 while helping design the nursery for one of her grandchildren. Maryellen became a passionate quilter for 35 years. At church, she was not only instrumental with the start-up of the Kinsmen Flower Ministry, but also the Kinsmen Quilters who have been making dozens and dozens of quilts each year for Lutheran World Relief. She enjoyed sharing her incredible skills and talent by teaching others how to quilt. Quilting became her absolute favorite thing to do.

Maryellen was an active church member in every congregation they joined throughout the years. She served on many committees, summer VBS, and participated in women’s circles, bible studies, retreats, and special events, often using her artistic skills where needed.

She also enjoyed sports, playing tennis and golf for many years. Maryellen was an avid Astros fan and knew all the players names and stats every season. She and Bob enjoyed extensive domestic and international travel in their retirement years. She lived a very full life, supporting her husband and children, her friends, neighbors, relatives and her church family with elegance and faith. Our memories of Maryellen will always live on in our hearts and minds, as well as on our dinner tables, beds and walls!

If desired please give to the charity of your choice in honor of Maryellen Reed Madsen. Her favorite charities included the American Red Cross, Upbring, Kinsmen Lutheran Church, and Spirit in the Hills Lutheran Church.

A Celebration of Life and Resurrection Service will be held on:

Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Spirit in the Hills Lutheran Church

2106 Bee Creek Road

Spicewood, TX 78669

Rev. Cecie Suknaic Saulnier, officiating

A light lunch reception will follow the service.