Catherine Patricia Madsen

Catherine Patricia Madsen died February 13, 2011 at the age of 101. She was born on May 3, 1909 in Sangamon County Illinois to Margaret (O’Brien) and Frank Williamson and was the youngest of five children. When she was a small girl, the family moved to Chicago’s Pullman district where she lived until her marriage.

Catherine was introduced to Henry Madsen by her friend, co-worker, and future sister-in-law, Ruth Madsen (Edmond). The couple dated, fell in love, and were married on February 20, 1930 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Chicago. The country’s economic woes made things tough for a young couple starting their lives together, but they struggled through it, and Catherine gained a reputation for frugality that she maintained for the rest of her life.

Catherine stayed home to care for their three children until the youngest was school-age—then she was determined to contribute financially to the family. She found a job that she loved in the medical records department of Chicago’s South Shore Hospital and worked there for over 20 years. Her employment allowed the couple to afford some small luxuries and offer their children the opportunity for college educations.

When Hank and Catherine retired, they decided to move away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They found the little town of Ashkum about 70 miles south of Chicago and bought their very first new home there in 1971. They quickly adapted to small-town life: Hank dabbled in politics and real estate, while Catherine’s apple and cherry pies were much in demand at the town’s social functions. Catherine remained in Ashkum after Hank’s death on October 7, 1981 until moving to Jacksonville in the autumn of 1990.

Catherine became one of the Cypress Village retirement community’s first residents when she and her cat, Jerry, moved into her home in February, 1991. Over the next 20 years a succession of feline companions shared their lives with her, including Shelley, Andrea, Fluffy, and her beloved Sable. Catherine enjoyed living independently, but also treasured the friendships of her wonderful friends and neighbors who watched over her in her later years.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband Henry and son Robert. She is survived by her son, George (Carole) of Orland Park, IL; daughter Suzanne Madsen Tierney (Michael) of Jacksonville; grandchildren George(Christine), Thomas, and James Madsen of Illinois; Laura Ladd (Kurt Brown) of Jacksonville; Richard Tierney (Amanda) of Jacksonville; great-grandchildren Michael Ladd of North Carolina, Daniel Ladd of Jacksonville, Jacob and Trenton Brown of Jacksonville, Claudia, Hannah, Madison, and Emelyn Tierney of Jacksonville; Michael (Jennifer), Ian, Thomas, and Amanda Madsen of Illinois; and great-great grandson Leo Cosentino of Illinois.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 1 at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel at Cypress Village “B “ Building on Middleton Park Circle. Interment will be at Ashkum Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Catherine’s memory may be made to Ana’s Angels animal rescue, 4525 Hood Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257.


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