Nancy Lee Madsen

Nancy was born in 1931 in Beach, North Dakota, to Glenn and Nan MacDonald. She worked in her parents’ grocery store and enjoyed spending her free time at their lake cabin.

Nancy married her high school sweetheart, C.H. (Tack) Kossow, and followed him as he pursued a career in the Navy. They lived in Alaska on two separate occasions and otherwise spent their years together wherever the Navy sent them. Their first daughter, Gwendolyn, was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, followed by Cyndy, who was born in Deer River, Minnesota. They were next stationed at Whidbey Island, where their son Carroll (Mick) was born. Nancy was active with the wives’ club and enjoyed creative pursuits such as pottery and sewing. She was even featured in the local newspaper.

The next chapter of Nancy’s life included marrying Wilbur (Bud) Madsen, who had sons James and Robert. Bud and Nancy moved to Missouri, where their daughter Nancy was born. The family later moved to Southern California, where they lived for eleven years before retiring and moving to Oak Harbor, Washington. Retirement included square dancing, snow-birding to Arizona, playing bridge, and crafts.

Nancy was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, and GG—known for her sense of style, kindness, and generosity. She was always up for an adventure and could be counted on to be there whenever you needed her. She was a regular at her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. She was “Mom” and “GG” to more than just her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Nancy loved Jesus and never understood how others could go through life without Him. Church attendance and activities were an important part of her life. Two of her favorite songs were “How Great Thou Art” and “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory).”

Even though she continued to light up any room she was in, Alzheimer’s and dementia took their toll at the end of Nancy’s life. She spent her last six years in Spokane, Washington; five of those years were in a wonderful, caring adult family home. Ultimately, a stroke was too much for her, and she departed this world for Heaven.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and husbands. She is survived by her children Gwen (Terry) Olcott, Cyndy (Tom) Smith, Mickie Kossow, and Nancy Humphries; grandchildren Carolyn Lagle, Tighe (Melissa) Smith, Justyn (Brieana) Smith, Terah (William) Zabelka, Brandon (Debora) Smith, Jonathon, Joshua, Kirah (David), Danica, and Austin Crosby (Stephanie); and 20 great-grandchildren.

GG would always start a sentence with, “Say…” So, GG, we have one last thing to say:

Thank you for loving us. We miss you. We will remember you, laugh about the good times, and carry your love with us. We’ll see you again soon.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at Wallin-Stucky Funeral Home on October 10th in Oak Harbor, WA at 10:00 a.m. We would be honored to have you join us in celebrating her beautiful life.