Caroline Stewart Madsen passed away peacefully on May 16, 2023 in Bountiful, Utah after a recurring battle with cancer. Caroline was born the youngest of five children on May 4, 1937, to Isaac Daniel Stewart and Orabelle Iverson Stewart, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated from East High School in 1955 and from the University of Utah with a BA in Political Science in 1959. Caroline later returned to the University of Utah in the early 1980s where she earned her master’s degree in Business Administration. While attending the University of Utah during her undergraduate years, Caroline met her husband Robert Ashley Madsen. Robert and Caroline were married and sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in 1957. They became the proud parents of five children.
Caroline’s life was dedicated to family, church and civic service. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, faithfully serving in many church callings during her lifetime. Her faith and testimony were shown through her words, actions and demeanor. She was a cheerful, polite and kind person who exuded love and warmth. Through her gentleness and radiating love, she spread the light of Christ by her mere presence. The teachings of the gospel, scriptures and prayer were guiding lights throughout her life. Among her many church callings, Caroline served with Robert while Mission President of the Oakland, California Mission in the early 1990s.
In addition to her family responsibilities and her church service, Caroline’s professional work included teaching at Mount Ogden Junior High School and, later in life, working as a budget analyst for a major government contractor.
Volunteer work and service were a defining part of Caroline’s life. Caroline was active in many social and civic causes including being a member of the Ogden Jr. League, teaching English to immigrants, tutoring math and English at local schools, and serving in various capacities in charitable organizations. Even after she had retired, Caroline continued her volunteer work combining her passions of learning and teaching others. Caroline used her talents and gifts in a way to honor God and serve her community.
Caroline and Bob loved to travel, often visiting exotic and lesser-known places. Together they explored the world and cultivated a love for diverse cultures, arts, music, history and foods. In their later years, they would frequently travel with their children and grandchildren in tow, sharing their love of adventure and learning with their progeny.
Caroline was an avid reader and loved studying history, particularly that of the United States and Europe. She enjoyed combining travel with her personal interests and sharing with her family what she had learned. Caroline used her time on this earth to edify those around her, constantly finding opportunities to teach and spread the joy of learning and knowledge. She spent many hours working in her garden, and she planned regular lunches for the women in her neighborhood in Federal Heights. In her later years, it was common to find scriptures, history, and calculus books on her nightstand.
Caroline is preceded in death by her loving husband (Robert) and her cherished son (William). She is survived by her children Robert Madsen, Jr., Mark Madsen (Jeanie), Kent Madsen (Elizabeth) and Catherine Johnson (Dana) and 14 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Louise Holbrook and Saundra Stewart. Caroline will be remembered for her kindness, selflessness and warm demeanor. Her love and light will never be forgotten.
There will be an intimate graveside service at a later date.
Guestbook/Condolences
Robert Jr., Mark, Kent, and Catherine & families - I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful lady and I always looked forward to talking to her at family gatherings. As was written, she was unfailingly kind and cheerful - I always felt happier and better about myself after a conversation with her, even though I also felt I needed to stay on my toes to keep up intellectually. I'm sure my experience is not unique. I love my Aunt Caroline and I hope you all will be comforted as you mourn her passing and be filled with happy memories of the lives you shared with her. -- David Madsen
Caroline was a dear friend as well as a sweet sister in law. She always had something interesting to say as well as adding something she had just learned. She was curious and asked questions.
She was always cheerful and happy and always willing to do a needed favor for a friend or neighbor.
We will all miss her smile and cherish her friendship.
Dear Bob, Mark, Kent & Catherine:
We are sad to learn of the passing of your sweet mother and grandmother. Your parents were our neighbors on Federal Heights Dr for almost 20 years. They moved into their home within weeks of us moving in. It was more than a pleasure to live next to them. There was always an endearing, contagious smile and time for a chat with Caroline. It takes a village to raise so many children and your mother and father were so influential in the raising of our children. The invitation and a stay in the mission home while they served in Oakland (along with Ann & Mark Farnsworth) to encourage teenage boys to serve a mission so that they might have a better understanding of a missionary experience. Teaching work ethics by allowing our children to water plants, house sitting, or dog watching. Our particular favorites are taking care of Gulliver, the dog that loved to "travel." The trampoline escapade of a four year old jumping to catch a glimpse of the beautiful outdoor wedding reception so elegantly planned for Catherine. Helpful suggestions for college applications, mentors and most of all the kind and gracious person who made a special effort to not only be good but to do good. She never complained about the next door neighbors rather always was warm and welcoming. Your mother was kind, gracious, positive, confident and very knowable and wise. She taught not only what she knew but also by being an example.
It was a difficult and sad day when we moved, knowing that our wonderful neighbors would no longer be next to us. Their memories will always be with us. They are innumerable and cherished. May you be comforted. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much Love,
Blake & Robyn Ingram
Bill, Katie, Sara, Megan, Annie, David and Sam