Madelyn Mash Obituary (1929 - 2025)

Madelyn Kohler Mash—beloved mother, grandma, Gigi, and friend—passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the age of 95 in Murray, Utah. Madelyn was born in Milford, Utah, to Lloyd Fred and Jeanette Skinner Kohler on December 6, 1929. She married the love of her life, James Mash, at the Flamingo Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 20, 1954. They spent the next 42 years together—dancing to jazz, gardening, and cooking for their family—before he passed away unexpectedly in 1996. She was a force of nature for those who knew her. Madelyn loved every day of life she was given and found pleasure in the smallest moments—whether reading a book on a snowy afternoon, drinking a cup of coffee with her son, or talking on the phone with her daughter, who she adored. Her greatest joys in life were her home and garden, cooking and her family. She was an active and dedicated member of several community organizations—including the Garden Club, the Assistance League, the Symphony Guild, and P.E.O. International. Through these affiliations, she fostered lasting friendships and contributed to the cultural and social fabric of her community. Madelyn trailblazed her way through life and encouraged those around her to make the most of their opportunities. After graduating from Milford High School in 1948, she went on to study at the University of Utah, where she joined the Alpha Phi Sorority. Madelyn's insatiable curiosity drove her to explore the world—forging lifelong friendships everywhere she went and collecting experiences that profoundly shaped her worldview for years to come. Throughout her life, she worked to support women's education and rights, causes that were deeply important to her. Her adventurous, independent spirit left a lasting impact on those around her. Madelyn was preceded in death by her husband, dogs Nankie and Zoe, brother Llyod Ned Kohler, and numerous other loved ones and friends. She is survived by her four children: Becky Higginson (Donny), Frank, Vince (Steph), and Blake (Kim); six grandchildren: Matt (Tatiana), Colby (Corrine), Ryan (Julissa), McKenzie (Stormy), Conner, and McCall; and 10 great-grandchildren. The Mash family would like to extend their eternal gratitude to those who gave her so much love and dignity during her final weeks on Earth: her grandson, Conner; her friend who she cherished, Tania; and her hospice nurse, Jess, from Auburn Crest. Madelyn's memory will stand as a reminder for all who knew her to appreciate the life we are given and take nothing in it for granted, just as she did throughout her 95 years. A celebration of life will be held at her home on April 11, 2025, from 4–7 pm; contact the Mash family for directions. Please join Madelyn's family to enjoy a few of her favorite things: Frank Sinatra, Italian food, Hershey's chocolate, and SkinnyPop. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to her P.E.O. chapter (Chapter N).