Maddie,
I will never forget you. The days we had, the birthdays we shared... Why did you have to leave? 

I couldn't imagine a world without you, but now I will have to keep going without your advice and guidance. 

I love you, Maddie, and I always will.
Your little cousin, Reese.

Maddie, 

I remember first meeting you- you were one of my "New Students" at Villanova and I was your Orientation Counselor. You were so spunky and upbeat, and I remember instantly feeling a connection to you and a pull to be around you. You were a true light and gift to Group 64- you brought so much love, joy, excitement, and warmth to our group. In 4 short days you somehow managed to make all of us feel more at home, myself included. 

Overland begins tomorrow and my heart is so heavy that you will not be with us, preparing for a summer of leading and loving and learning, making memories, touching the lives of young students and changing them, helping them grow towards their future. When I saw your name on the list for leaders for 2017 I flipped out- of course!! Of course Maddie leads for Overland. She is everything that a leader is; she is warm and real, genuine, and so full of joy. So giving, so adventurous, so free. So engaged. New to leading,  just seeing your name on that list was a comfort and a huge joy, and getting to go through training with you and share in the process was a blessing.

Maddie, I am so thankful to have known you. I am thinking of you and holding you in my heart always, and especially tomorrow as we begin an adventure I wish you could be on too. Rest free, girl. We remember you in everything we do.

Love always,
Emily

Dear Maddie,

Even though I am so unbearably sad right now, I can't help but remember our time together, and a smile replaces my tears.  I remember the hours of playing when you were a baby, the car rides to Hilton Head, our hikes, the hours and hours jumping on the trampoline, the movies, and all those times you gave me a giant hug, just because.  All those memories mean you will never be gone, even if you're not here right now.  

Over these past few days, although I am still sad, I am also filled with pride and honor.  I am proud of you--you have touched so many lives, and changed them for the better.  And I am honored--honored that I always get to be known as Maddie's Uncle.  

You have made me a better person simply by being a part of my life.  I miss you.  

I love you, always,

Uncle Ian. 

Maddie and I shared a favorite quote growing up together:

"If you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always gotten."

We saw this quote once at a gymnastics competition and she took it and ran with it. She constantly pushed herself to do more, reach goals and always said yes to a new adventure. Maddie was an incredible best friend growing up and someone I will forever hold in my heart. Rest easy, Madeline Ann❤️ 

You are now at peace and in the loving hands of God. You see Him face-to-face and will enjoy the vision of God, forever.
Papa

I remember my sophomore year, Maddie’s freshman year, she sat near me in religion in her naval uniform. She reminded me of myself — so passionate and enthusiastic. I could tell instantly that she had such a good heart. So I sparked up a conversation and asked her if she was considering rush, and flash forward to 2016 when Maddie became a sister of Chi Omega. I was so excited, took her on “owl pal” dates and became fast friends. I’ll miss your laugh, your big smile and your ability to make everything fun. You will be dearly missed, I love you so much Maddie ❤️

Dearest Maddie,
In the times that we were lucky enough to share your company, you won our hearts. Your infectious smile, your warmth, your courage, your sense of fun and adventure, and most of all your empathy for others touched us all. We will never forget our bike ride day with you and our lunch on the beach together. We will never forget how you were there to help Julia in Math. We will never forget following your remarkable and brave cross-country bike tour. We will never forget you. The fact that you left such a profound impression on us in such a short time is a testament to the depth and beauty of your spirit. Rest in peace, Maddie, in God’s arms.
Love,
The Horst Family


I met Maddie at Huntington Gymnastics, way back in our gymnast days. She was so welcoming, so bubbly, never failed to make me laugh at practices. You were truly one of a kind and I will never forget the memories we shared. Rest easy , Love you ❤️  Xoxo

JUST ONE MORE TIME, MADDIE
 
Please hold my hand,
just one more time.
My worlds not the same,
this is not what I planned.
 
Maddie come for a walk,
just one more time.
I loved when you were with me,
and we took time to talk.
 
I needed to hold you,
just one more time.
To see your brown eyes,
whether happy or blue
 
I miss you Maddie.
So, for the last time
I will kneel and pray,
that your body and soul
get taken away,
to the most beautiful place,
where I will join you some day.
 
Love, Daddy



Dear Ruocco family,

It is with an immense sadness that I write this note on the passing of your lovely daughter/sister Maddy. I had the pleasure of getting to know her at CSH high school some years ago. The world has lost a young, beautiful, and kind soul far too soon and I have no words to express my heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this hard time. 

Maddie, you were the very first person in Ian’s family I met. I’ll never forget you bouncing into his apartment all filled with curiousity and excitement. Over the years that followed, I so enjoyed watching you grow from a spunky kid at gymnastics who loved hiking adventures and the movie Titanic, to a beautiful and sincere young woman who had big dreams and an even bigger heart. I’ll always fondly remember our mani/pedis and our sleepover, watching Disney World TV specials at midnight, and you always running to greet your “Clean”/Uncle Ian with open arms. You and your beautiful life may have been short, but our memories of you will live on forever. Love you Maddie.

Maddie’s greatest talent laid in the fact that she put a smile on the face of each and every person she encountered. She was a spark of energy in every room she entered, and for that she will fail to be forgotten. Maddie was ready for any adventure that came her way. It was simply not in her nature to have a boring day. She was always willing to take on a challenge that seemed impossible to the average person (like that one time that she casually rode a bike across the nation). Maddie was a huge inspiration to so many. She was a warrior. 
-Maddie’s little sister, who loves her endlessly 


Maddie/ Mad dawg, 
You were one of the first people I had the pleasure of meeting in Chi Omega. Not many people have a sense of humor like I do, so we instantly got along. Whether we were watching Netflix during our education class (whoops), or dancing like fools at a function, I loved being around you. Thank you for providing me with smiles, joy, laughter, and strength. I texted you this months ago, but it remains true: I will always have your back. I promise to make sure others know they are not alone and spread kindness to all, just like you did. I love you more than you know. 

To Maddie's beautiful friends: you are strong and beautiful souls. To Maddie's Family: Thank you for making Maddie into the fun-loving and vibrant person that she was. We are all better for having known her. 

Maddie was one of the most vibrant people I had ever met during my time at Villanova. She was one of my residents her freshman year, and I always loved stopping by her room to chat whenever her door was open...which was pretty much all the time she was there.  She was such a warm person to be around, and every encounter with her left me with a smile. I also had the honor of serving alongside her in Fort Smith, Arkansas on a Habitat for Humanity trip- she was a giving, thoughtful, determined young woman, making the world around her a better, happier place through her presence. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to share in her light, and I will miss her greatly.  Rest easy, Maddie. I will never forget you. 

Maddie was a beautiful soul.  She took my Mindfulness Meditation Immersion course last spring, and was a true joy to have in class. I am saddened that I only had the opportunity to spend that one weekend with her, but even in that short time, she had a big impact on me and her fellow classmates.  I am profoundly sorry for the loss of your precious Maddie and I am praying for healing for all who knew and loved her. 

I am at a loss for words during this sorrowful time. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort. We will always cherish the beautiful memories of Maddie. 

OBITUARY

Madeline Ann Ruocco

August 27, 1997 – February 19, 2019

Beney Funeral Home

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