Kathryn “Kay” Madsen, 88, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, after a two year battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was born in Canby, Oregon, at her grandparents’ farm house, to Louise (Heinz) Lucas and Dr. Fred T. Lucas. She lived her entire life in Centralia, Washington. She attended Edison Grade School and graduated from Centralia High School in 1944; graduated from Centralia College in 1946 and graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1951. On June 3, 1951 she married Ralph Madsen. They were married for 63 years and raised two children, son, Sam (Sharon) Madsen of Centralia; and daughter, Mary (Gary) Schonack, also of Centralia. She has one granddaughter; Emily Madsen.
Kay played piano at church and taught piano lessons for many years. In her early years she taught at Cascade Elementary School in Chehalis. During the 60s and 70s, she worked for the Centralia School District. She later worked at the family business, Madsen's Shop and Supply, Inc.
She was a lifetime member at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Centralia, where her father had been a pastor for 37 years. She enjoyed her family and helping other people. Her hobbies included knitting and traveling.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Emil Lucas.
She is survived by her husband; two children; granddaughter; sister, Margaret (Ron) Douglass; sisters-in-law, Betty Kisor and Donna Cordier; plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family requests donations, in Kay's memory, be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. 1209 N. Scheuber Rd. Centralia, WA 98531.
A memorial service for Kay will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul R. Hermansen officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, WA 98531. 360-736-1388.
Condolences may be offered at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com
