Madison Ferne Phillips, 25, of Middleton, WI passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 15th, 2024 at home with her loving parents by her side after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Maddy was born on June 6, 1999 in Indianapolis, IN to John F. and Brenda K. (Walker) Phillips. She is a 2017 graduate of Middleton High School and received her bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2021, majoring in Mass Communications and Journalism. Maddy was employed as an account executive at Hiebing in Madison. She treasured the friendships made with her colleagues and greatly appreciated the generosity and support they provided her.
Maddy enjoyed spending time being on the water in her kayak and on her paddle board. She also liked doing yoga and making crafts, was an avid reader and an excellent baker. She was a loyal UW Badger fan and enjoyed attending football and basketball games. She truly loved traveling, sharing her last adventure with some of her best friends to Florida and Disney World in June. Maddy cherished spending time with her family and friends as well as her beloved cat, Dinah.
Maddy is survived by her father, John F. Phillips of Madison; her mother, Brenda K. Phillips (Thomas Hemaidan) of Verona; sister, Jennifer K. (David) Duszynski of Madison; maternal grandmother, Kay M. Walker of Freeport, IL; paternal grandparents, James and Ruth Sturtevant of Freeport, IL; her aunts and uncles, Pamela and Daniel Green of Rockford, IL and Kerry and Gary La Shelle of Freeport, IL and her cousins.
Maddy also had several dear friends who held a special place in her heart including Meghann Armstrong, Maddie Dagitz, Mary McCarthy, and Ben Frye. The love and support of her family and friends helped get her through many challenging times during her illness.
Maddy was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Wayne R. Walker and her great aunt, Dorothy J. Schreck.
Her family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the medical professionals at UW Health Clinics and Hospital for the compassionate care they provided.
Maddy’s kindness and bright spirit will be profoundly missed by all of her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in Maddy’s name for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District Education Foundation at https://www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us/o/edfound/page/madison-phillips-memorial-scholarship where a memorial scholarship will be established in memory of Maddy.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am, Friday, August 30, 2024, at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in the Atrium room with brunch immediately following in the Evjue Commons to celebrate Maddy’s life.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave. Madison
(608) 238-8406
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