Rita I. Madden

Rita Irene Madden was born in Marathon, WI to John and Theresa (Schuster) Deininger. She was preceded in death by her husband, James D. Madden and her brothers: Sylvester, Alwin and Charles Deininger. Rita is survived by her brother Thomas Deininger and her cherished sisters-in-law: Janice Deininger, Marlene Deininger, Dona Deininger and Anita Deininger. Rita leaves behind six children: Catherine, Timothy (Susan), Mary, Guy (Karen), John (Annette) and Daniel (Kimberly) Madden. Rita was blessed with eleven grandchildren: James, Jon and Elyse, Amy and Declan, Sarah and Dillon, Nathan and Renee, Emily and Jillian. There are twenty-three great grandchildren, and oh how she loved to hold onto those new little ones and had difficulty letting them go.

Rita (Mom) lived at home with her daughter Mary Madden in Denver, CO. Elevation Hospice came into the home offering great support. All of her children and most of her grandchildren were extremely fortunate to have visited with mom in the last weeks of her life. Family members cared for mom and were always nearby. We were so blessed to have shared precious time with Mom prior to her leaving this world for her eternal place of rest. Mom was a woman of faith, who demonstrated this every day with her kind spirit, thoughtfulness toward others, quiet nature and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Rita graduated from St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in Wausau, WI in 1943. Mom was introduced to Dad through his sister, Sr. Mary Bernard, an instructor at the school of nursing. She corresponded with Dad during his U.S. Army Air Corps mission in World War II. They married at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marathon WI on June 29, 1946. Their life together was one of great adventures that included: lots of children, many moves following Dad's dreams and jobs and meeting many folks who became friends for life. During their 70 years together, there were approximately thirty-two different addresses. After a while, these new addresses were "penciled in", subject to change.

Mom worked as a registered nurse for about thirty-five years. Wherever we lived Mom worked at local hospitals in many capacities, covering the medical/surgical floor, ICU and also as a visiting nurse. In 1981, prior to a reunion, the nursing class shared their chronological history after graduating from St. Mary’s. In her own words, Rita Deininger Madden wrote:

"I headed for West Bend WI after graduation. I worked for St. Joseph's Hospital for a few months and then for three MD's at the General clinic for two years. These wonderful people and this area became my second home. I hungered for further education and decided to move to Milwaukee to work at St. Joseph's in Advanced Pediatric Nursing in conjunction with Marquette University. Before I received my degree, I married Jim on June 29, 1946. I then became an industrial nurse for Cleaver-Brooks Company, a boiler factory, while Jim was attending College. Two years later we started our own Pediatric Dept. I had Danny, John and Guy and spinal surgery at St. Mary's Hospital in Wausau, WI in about three years’ time.

Because of Jim's job, we have lived in California-five years, Iowa-two years, Wisconsin-eleven years, Texas-one year and Colorado-16 years. I worked in all these states in various ways. At the Kaiser-Permanente Hospital I was in the research and experimentation of ACTH and in cortisone in conjunction with Stanford University Hospital. At the Community Hospital in Charles City, Iowa, I worked six days a week as the only PM shift nurse, "dummy". In Texas I was an ICU nurse and in the Madison area I worked nights at Central Colony with the mentally disabled. In our area in Canon City CO, I became the first Medicare nurse. Our Public Health training really helped. Later I joined the St. Thomas More hospital staff for a time and went back into the Medicare program. I retired from nursing but kept up my credentials in the last five years." Mom enjoyed gardening. Bright red geraniums with white alyssum borders were a favorite. She took great pride in caring for her house plants, many of which have been passed down through generations. When Mom had time, she would explore second hand and antique stores. Sometimes, with a lot of convincing, she was able to get Dad to go look at something and make a purchase. That's how the old wood burning stove was found and installed in the main cabin in Creede, CO.

As we live each day, with a bit a sadness, we are reminded of mom's presence and beautiful spirit. Family and friends left behind will always hold her forever in their hearts. She has left this world a better place. May Mom rest in the peace of His presence.

Due to COVID, a Funeral Mass and celebration of life will be planned for late spring or summer. Interment will be with James, her husband, at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO.  We invite you to share your stories and memories.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be given in Rita Madden's memory to Elevation Hospice of Colorado, 80 Garden Center #59, Broomfield, CO 80020.

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