Janaleah Rachel Madson
Published in the Bonners Ferry Herald Oct. 28, 2004
Another version was published on the website - Kootenai Valley Press - July 31, 2005
http://www.kvpress.com/obituaries/041021madson.htm
With her final words, “I love you very much,” spoken to her parents, Janaleah Rachel Madson passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her mother. On October 21, 2004 her eight month battle with AML Leukemia ended.
She was born on August 22, 2000, in Sandpoint, Idaho to Eric and Eileen (Soltman) Madson of Bonners
Ferry, Idaho.
The memorial service was held Tuesday, October 26, at the Boundary County Fairgrounds in the Memorial Hall. A graveside service followed at Grandview Cemetery.
Janaleah’s zest for life was only one of the qualities that charmed all who knew her. She loved playing and riding bikes with her big brother, who was also her best friend.
She also found great joy spending time outdoors riding on the tractor with her dad, picking beautiful flowers, especially the dandelion “wish balls,” and riding the horses she adored so much. Janaleah loved spending the night at Grandpa and Grandma’s, and treasured memories are of her saying prayers at mealtime. Janaleah’s love of music and playing with her dollhouses and ponies were favorite pastimes. Her special sparkle was also evident while playing with her dog, Misha, and her cat, Patches.
She is survived by her parents and her older brother, Caleb. She is also survived by her grandparents, Ervin and Carolee Madson of Bonners Ferry, her grandmother, Suzanne Tagney, of Casa Grande, AZ, her great grandmother, Phyllis Goldstein, of Pittsburgh, PA, aunts and uncles, Monika (Jerry) Buell of Cody, WY, Norita (David) Dahlin, of Walla Walla, WA, Janis (Steve) Habner, of Poulsbo, WA, Heidi (Brock) Williams, of Tenino, WA, Mike (Pam) Soltman, of Granite Falls, WA, John Tagney, of Casa Grande, AZ, as well as great aunts, uncles, numerous cousins and many, many others.
We wish to thank family, friends, colleagues, and the community for the incredible outpouring of support these last months. We are so moved by this love and care even from those we were not acquainted with before. We count it a privilege to be touched by so many.
For those compelled to donate on behalf of Janaleah, please consider these options. National Childrens’ Cancer Society, and Ronald MacDonald House Charities. The family has found these and other organizations beneficial and generous to many children and their families in the time of need.