Laura Madsen

Laura Elizabeth (Betty) Madsen, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully at the age of 101 on September 13, 2024 in Albuquerque NM. Born on April 5, 1923 in Escalon, California to Charles Elmer Burnett and Beth Clark, Betty grew up surrounded by family and friends.

Laura's curious and adventuresome spirit helped guide the paths she pursued. After graduating from UCSF with her nursing degree, she worked for a year at the hospital in Yosemite. From there, she went back to school in Berkley, CA for her public nursing degree. She decided public nursing wasn't for her!

After graduating in 1948, she moved to Lead, SD to work at the Homestake Mining Hospital. It was in Lead that she met the love of her life, Roger Madsen. They were married August 31, 1950.

In 1958, Roger and Betty moved to Grants, NM with their young family. They lived together in the same home until Roger's passing in 2015. Betty worked for 20 years (maybe more) for Dr. Gilbert Gutierrez, where she helped care for many in the Grants area.

Although the move to Grants was tough in the beginning, Betty embraced exploring her new surroundings. She enjoyed going on day trips to Navajo rug auctions, Chaco Canyon, El Morro, drives up Mt Taylor, the Gallup Indian Ceremonials, and whatever place, activity she could find.

Betty had an infectious smile. She maintained friendships from her early life and from wherever she had lived. She enjoyed family gatherings. She loved turtles and elephants. She enjoyed a friendly game of bridge. She made the best cookies at Christmas time which she shared with many! She loved to shop and often would say "I have nothing to wear" even though her closets overflowed with choices. She always looked good for her family and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Roger; brother, Charles E Burnett, Jr.; daughter, Carol Madsen; and grandson Joshua Hebert.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and the importance of family and friends. Betty is survived by her children: Janet Hebert, Patricia Bradley (Geoff), and Russell Madsen; by her grandsons Jeremy Hebert (Jodi), Jason Hebert (Kari), Christopher Madsen (Kristen), Thomas Madsen, Robert Madsen, and Keith Bradley (Katherine), and by twelve great grandchildren: Justin Hebert, Jayden Hebert, Jared Hebert, Juliette Hebert, Myles White, Julian Madsen, Nicholas Madsen, Maia Madsen, Owen Madsen, River Shoemaker, Laura Bradley, and Molly Bradley.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, October 3, 2024 in Grants, NM at the United Methodist Church. Friends and family are invited to share their memories and honor her remarkable journey.

Burial will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on October 4, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be to the charity of your choice.

Laura / Betty / Mom / Grandma will be deeply missed but cherished forever in the hearts of those who knew her.