Jean Madsen

Jean Madsen

01/13/1925 – 05/05/2017

From the time she was young, Jean Madsen lived a life exemplifying the saying that many will remember her by, “If it is to be, it is up to me.” Strong-willed and highly ambitious Jean delighted in service. Her countless capacities brought music, education, and inspiration into the lives of those around her.

Jean was born January 13, 1925 to Cecil and Blanche Waterman in Price, Utah where she resided until she attended college at Utah State Agricultural College, completing a bachelor’s degree. After working for a time in Chino, California as the District Music’s Supervisor, she returned to Utah and married the love of her life, Joseph Dale Madsen, on June 24, 1948 in the Salt Lake City Temple. They settled in Brigham City where they began their family. Amid raising four daughters and teaching kindergarten in her home, Jean completed her master’s degree in music education.

Jean relocated to Bountiful to work as the Elementary Music Supervisor for the Davis School District. She then became the district’s first female principal at J.A. Taylor Elementary, receiving national honors. She retired as principal from Farmington Elementary.

Many organizations benefitted from Jean’s service; some of which include the Bountiful/Davis Art Center, Davis Chamber of Commerce, DATC Foundation, International Soroptimist, Weber State University Advisory Board, American Legion, Women’s State Legislative Council, Lions Club and Huntsman Senior World Games. Alongside Jean’s community endeavors, one of her greatest passions was music, which she displayed during her 18 years with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Jean’s earthly service ended May 5, 2017. Although she will be dearly missed by the many lives that she touched while on earth, she will continue to lovingly serve others beyond the veil. She is survived by her four daughters, Dalene (Kirk) Francis, Syracuse; Lynette (Bruce) Wilkes, St. George; Melody Longhurst, San Diego; and Tammy (Brad) Davis, Fruit Heights; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and sisters, Maurine Craig, Price; Elaine Burgener, Provo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Dale; sister, Florine Waterman; sister, Enid Bean.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, May 12, 2017 at the Oak Hills Ward Chapel, 455 S. 1200 E., Bountiful, Utah. Friends may visit family, Thursday May 11th from 6-8pm at the Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. and at the ward chapel Friday, 9:30-10:30am prior to services.  Graveside services will take place at 3pm at the Riverview Cemetery in Tremonton, Utah.

The family expresses their gratitude to the loving staff of The Inn on Barton Creek Assisted Living and Symbii Home Health and Hospice.