Madeline Rose Andersen
Madeline Rose Andersen, age 36; beloved wife of Ryan Andersen; cherished daughter of Michael (Julie Hazlett) Pochron & Joan (the late Brian) McAlpin; loving sister of Alexandra (Seth Gruenwald) Pochron and Darby McAlpin; adoring aunt of Owen, Wesley, Grayson, and Finley.
Madeline was best known for her boundless joy, energy, and positivity. She was fearless in her optimism and in her kindness. Madeline faced many challenges, but she never let that stop her from tenaciously pursuing her goals and was a fierce advocate for others to do the same. She graduated from Lyons Township High School in 2006 and then went on to earn her Associates Degree in early childhood education from McHenry Community College, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. As a preschool teacher at Kensington Schools in the western suburbs, she loved nurturing the children in her care and took great pride in developing lesson plans and activities that they would enjoy. She was passionate about painting, drawing, photography, and candle-making, frequently embarked on new creative projects, and had an entrepreneurial spirit. Most of all, she loved quality time with her friends and family; she was a source of wisdom and encouragement to anyone who needed her, and whether she was singing karaoke, engaging in friendly debate about current events, supporting her husband’s athletic competitions, or watching movies, she was happiest while surrounded by the people she loved.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4pm on August 25, 2024, at Pinstripes, 7 Oak Brook Center, Oak Brook, IL.
Memorial donations in Madeline’s name to The Wellness House for Living with Cancer are deeply appreciated. https://wellnesshouse.org/donate/“
Maddie was one of my closest friends at Lincoln Elementary and Emerson Junior High. She is part of my memories of Oak Park. This girl was a silly goofy goose. She’d come over my house unannounced and I loved it! One summer we walked from downtown Oak Park (where we were hanging out at Claire’s) all the way to Lincoln Elementary (to drop off my sister at her friend’s) then back to downtown Oak Park. Maddie is part of my memories of Oak Park. When I moved and came back to visit in high school , we met up and again in 2018. We talked just 3 months ago. I thought maybe later this year we’d get to meet again. Im glad I got a chance to be friends with you Maddie. You are a special part of my childhood memories. I wish there were more ♥️