Nancy Nielson Madson's Obituary
Nancy Nielson Madson
Nancy Nielson Madson returned to her heavenly home on August 2, 2020, after a long-fought illness. Nancy was born June 13, 1954, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Errol and Elsie (Bowler) Nielson. The fourth of five living children, Nancy spent her childhood and early adolescence in Rigby, Idaho, later moving with her family to Boise, where she graduated from Capital High School in 1972. She went on to attend Ricks College and then BYU, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
At BYU Nancy met her future husband, Rand Ray Madson, whom she married in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 2, 1976. As the young newlyweds drove home from their honeymoon, they encountered chaos on the highway only to learn by radio the nearby Teton Dam had burst. Rushing home, their first days as a couple were spent filling sandbags to keep the floodwaters at bay. Nancy would go on to work as a 3rd Grade teacher in Shelley, Idaho, eventually relocating to Springville, Utah, where they put down roots and raised four children.
Nancy was a loving, supportive wife and mother, who was fiercely loyal to her family. Her children knew their mom loved them, and she was always there to celebrate their accomplishments, as well as hear concerns and offer comfort during difficult times. As a lifelong active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she served in her local ward and stake in various callings, including Relief Society and Primary presidencies. She also supported her husband in his numerous callings, wrangling four children in the church pew while Dad served on multiple bishoprics as a counselor and then as Bishop of the Spring Creek 9th Ward.
As her children grew, Nancy returned to her vocation of teaching. She taught 6th Grade Language Arts at Springville Middle and later Hobble Creek Elementary School for almost 20 years. She instilled the love of reading and learning into hundreds of children over the years. Those kids knew they could confide in Mrs. Madson, and also find words of encouragement, advice, and a good-natured reprimand when they needed it. She almost always had a piece of candy if they were good (or at least promised to be good).
Nancy loved spending time with family and friends. Highlights included annual summer reunions at the Nielson family cabin at Henry’s Lake, Idaho, as well as visits to the Madson family in Ammon, Idaho. Extended family often stopped by to visit with Aunt Nancy, who loved to catch up on the latest family news. Mom also benefited from the love of her brothers and sisters in the local LDS ward – a second family with whom she exercised compassion, service and support during the four decades she called Springville home.
Nancy endured many hardships during her life, including the sudden death of her husband in 2003 and a more than 40-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. It was difficult watching Mom decline over the years, yet even as her body weakened and lost function, her spirit remained strong. She possessed a steely, resolute, obstinate will to keep going as best as she could. It surprised the doctors and nurses during her hospice care, which stretched from a couple of weeks, to a couple of months, to a couple of years. It did not surprise her children. She persevered to the end, and when the end finally did come she left with a smile on her face. We are comforted to know that in death, Mom will be reunited with her eternal companion and their bodies will be restored to a perfected state, free from the cares and degradations of mortality.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Rand Madson (2003); parents Alma Errol Nielson (1998) and Elsie Bowler Nielson (2004); and her infant sister Lorre (1946). She is survived by her siblings, Susan Berg (Dennis), David Nielson (Terri), Becky Shull (Jack) and Trudy Gayton (Wally); and her children Bart Madson (Autumn), Scott Madson, Emily Madson and Katie Redford (Brent). She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Harper, Eli, Elsie, Kylah and Hazel, which she loved to brag about and who will all deeply miss their Grandma Madson.
Our family would like to thank the hospice workers who cared for Mom and allowed her to die peacefully at home surrounded by family. Bart, Scott and Katie also wish to express their profound gratitude to our sister, Emily, who served as Mom’s primary caregiver after Dad’s death. You gave our mother a life of dignity and joy that would not have been possible without your selfless sacrifice. We are forever in your debt, as are our father and mother. You are a testament to the love that binds our family together. We love you.
Nancy will be laid to rest in a private closed ceremony, due to current public health conditions. Information about a livestream of the funeral service, as well as a future opportunity to share memories of Nancy will soon be available. In place of flowers, the family would ask mourners to consider a donation to the National MS Society.
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