Marcia Gunnell Madsen

Marcia was born December 10, 1948, in Brigham City, Utah, to Marjorie Winchester and William LeRoy Gunnell. As a child, the family lived in numerous locations in Idaho and Utah, but she was raised principally in Bountiful, Utah and graduated with honors from Bountiful High School.

Marcia was married Sept 4, 1971 to Robert K. Madsen in Salt Lake City, Utah. They recently celebrated their 52nd anniversary.

At the heart of Marcia’s world were her husband and her three sons, Will (27), Peter (24) and Matthew (20), whom she and Robert adopted as newborns and cherished deeply. Her role as a mother was paramount, guiding her sons with love, faith and the importance of service to others. All three sons earned the scouting rank of Eagle which was a source of pride for Marcia and Robert. Marcia’s faith in Jesus Christ and membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were the cornerstones of her life, influencing her professional endeavors and her dedication to helping others find strength in their beliefs.

Marcia’s mother instilled in her a great love of music. Marcia was a gifted pianist and enjoyed playing the piano for children’s singing time at church. Even with her busy schedule she continued with lessons during her adult life.

In addition to family and faith, Marcia lived a life filled with academic and professional achievement, starting with her Honors BA in history and political science from the University of Utah, progressing to her JD from the American University and a LLM in taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. Her legal career was distinguished by her admission to practice in various Federal Courts.

Marcia's professional life was marked by significant recognitions and contributions: Named to National Law Journal’s Washington’s Most Influential Women Lawyers and Washington Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business; Chair of the Acquisition Advisory Panel, appointed by the Executive Office of the President; admitted to Legal 500 US Hall of Fame for Government Contracts; and recipient of the Founders Day Award from the University of Utah in 2018.

Marcia is survived by her husband, her children and siblings Darla Klovski and Steven Gunnell.

A viewing will be held at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Ave NW on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 6 PM to 9 PM. A service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4901 16th St NW from 11 AM to 12:15 PM. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, 3001 R St., NW in Georgetown.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any contribution to the ASPCA, St. Judes or any charity of your choice.