Mary Annette Haycock (Ekenstam) Madsen was born the fifth child of Joseph Victor Haycock and Viola Zelpha Bronson on October 13, 1933 in St. George, Utah. During her youth, Mary went by Annette, the name by which she was known by most of her immediate family. Later she began using Mary and was known thereby throughout her married life and by most of her friends. During her early years the family moved frequently and lived in several locations in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, and California. Mary began school while living in Elba, Idaho and would eventually graduate from Albion High School in Idaho, although she attended numerous schools in between. Due to the transient nature of her father's work, Mary would at times live with her older sister Roberta and her family or with other extended family members. Following high school Mary was unable to further her schooling although this was her desire. Instead she moved to Lark, Utah where she lived with Roberta and Floyd Rasmussen and sought employment in Salt Lake City. She found employment in Sugarhouse at Shingleton's Sewing Center where she assisted in keeping the books. Shortly thereafter she moved from Lark to live with her Uncle George and Aunt Lou Bronson in Salt Lake. While there, she met Marvin Ekenstam, whom she would later marry. She enjoyed the next few years where she was employed by Beneficial Life and developed lifelong friendships.
She married Marvin Jay Ekenstam on April 13, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. Over the next few years Mary and Marvin lived in San Diego, Salt Lake, Provo, and Idaho Falls before settling in Salt Lake City for the next ten years. During this time, they began a large family of eight sons which Mary loved dearly. Unfortunately, in 1972, following a divorce, Mary was left to raise her family on her own. The family moved to Holladay, Utah where Mary worked hard to feed and care for her boys.
Mary worked as a secretary and was an exceptional typist. Her employers included the architect firm of Snedaker, Budd and Watts, the Political Science Department at the University of Utah, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She adapted quickly to the work required and was well appreciated by her employers.
After her sons were raised, Mary moved to Centerville, Utah. There she met Ken Madsen and the two were married on July 9, 1994 in the Jorden River Utah Temple. Ken and Mary resided at the Madsen home in Centerville Utah where Mary lived until 2012. Mary loved both sides of the family and was diligent in being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Even as her health declined she frequently would express her love for her family. Her eyes would light up when any family member would visit.
Mary was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life and served in various capacities including serving three missions with her husband Ken; two in Bountiful, Utah and one in the Independence Missouri Mission from 2003 to 2004. Mary and Ken also served many years as ordinance workers in the Bountiful Utah Temple from 1994 until Ken passed away in 2011.
Throughout her life Mary loved music and singing and was provided many opportunities to share her talents. At home she would frequently sing to her children, including a variety of jingles and songs she had known from her youth. She also enjoyed being outside and appreciated the beauty that was all around her. She often expressed her love for the moments she could take a simple walk through the woods, a drive through the countryside, or the camping trips she took with the family. Although she lived in many places, she always considered Southern Idaho home and she loved the beauty of the sagebrush covered hills. As she grew older she enjoyed the daily walks her and Ken would take together.
Mary is preceded by her parents; siblings Sheila, Roberta, Joseph Bronson (Joe), and George William (Bill); and her husband Kenneth Wayne Madsen. She is survived by her children Joseph Marvin, Robert Jay, Wallace Mark, Matthew Ray, Kenneth Dee, James Randall, DeVon Thomas, and David William.
Viewing for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, November 1st from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 2nd at 11:00 am at the Hidden Valley 4th Ward, 1450 East Raddon Drive, Sandy with a viewing one hour prior to services. Interment will follow at the Centerville City Cemetery.
