Madilyn Colley - Friedrich

In a world where you can be anyone or anything, be a good human and builder of community.

Madilyn “Maddie” Louise Colley-Friedrich (25) came into this world on November 28, 2000 like a bright light that filled our lives with beauty, grace, honesty, positivity, big love, and so much sass. She embodied every element of goodness she wished for the world to have and shared that with those around her. Maddie expected nothing less for herself, lifting others to meet her at the bar she aspired to reach. She dreamed big, despite others telling her she reached too high; those dreams and goals were the start of future plans, not limitations. She met every goal she ever set for herself…because dreaming big was the goal, always. It’s how she rose in the morning and how she saw her future with the love of her life, Nick.

Maddie graduated from Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, in June 2019. Later attending Northern Arizona University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Communications with a minor in Criminal Justice in December 2022.

It was during her freshman year at Northern Arizona University that she met and fell in love with Nick Friedrich, whom she married on March 20, 2026, the first day of Spring. Their wedding was the culmination of six years of loving one another through the lean college years, raising and obsessing over their dog, Zion, and moving to begin their lives together in Utah. The dream wedding, from big dreams to celebrate a love unmatched. There will be no remembering the event without seeing reflections of her beautiful smile or hearing the ring of her infectious laughter. It was magical and forever will be.

Maddie arrived in Utah, October 2024, after accepting a job offer to join High West Distillery and Constellation Brands as part of their events team. She invested her time and self in her position as Internal Hospitality Coordinator, working with the events team, Rewards Program, VIPs, Whiskey Club, community partners, and pursuing a career within the brand through their mentorship program. She often spoke about feeling that she was living her best life and working in a role she didn’t deserve…but she very much deserved it. She worked hard and excelled in every role she accepted. Maddie was famous for being a go-getter and someone who never backed down from a challenge. She never settled for mediocre, always striving to put out the best possible product to show how much she cared.

To know Maddie was to see her for who she was. The person who brought people together, who offered sound advice, told the truth even when it might hurt, who loved a sweet treat, was driven toward travel and adventure, a foodie, an online shopper, lover of Lululemon and fashion. She was inspired by words, a lover of fantasy fiction books and fairytales. She loved to speak on behalf of those without a voice, and had an unwavering spirit of remarkable sassiness that was immeasurable. Her laugh could light up an amusement park; it was so joyous. Hearing it could bring the saddest person out of a funk.

Maddie lived with intent, and a deep understanding of respecting an individual’s dignity and humanity, regardless of their walk of life. Every person mattered and she made sure they knew it. Whether it be with a passing nod, smile, or simple hello, your presence was a priority for her to acknowledge. To be in Maddie’s circle meant you had a loyal and committed person in your corner who made you a priority above herself…and those who were fortunate enough to have that connection with her fiercely protected her loyalty, knowing how precious it was to receive such a gift.

In her life, Maddie accomplished so very much. She filled every moment of her life with meaning and purpose, felt ever so much by her loved ones. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Nicholas “Nick” Friedrich; their dog, Zion; parents, Josh & Catherine Colley; brother, Owen Colley; chosen sisters, Kaitlynn Linnell and Ali Cook; grandparents, Richard & Luz Perkins and David & Vicki Colley; father and mother-in-law, Craig & Mary Friedrich; sister-in-law, Megan Friedrich; many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her loving bonus Australian parents, Paul & Donna Cook.

Maddie left an indelible mark on an ever-changing world. She kept a quote close to her that said, “When you have all you need, build a longer table, not a taller fence…” and that describes her sense of humanity and community building to the letter. She lived with passion and never took a single moment for granted. She always offered a helping hand and created meaningful connections with others where all could be open to honest feedback. Remember to love yourself as much as you love others. Maddie wanted us all to carry on and “Live life…don’t wait to go on the adventures…get out there and do all the things…I love you all.”

Our family said goodbye to Maddie on July 5, 2026, as she courageously passed away from cancer. She was a warrior in life and in death, and we miss her dearly.

A celebration of life, in Maddie’s honor, is planned for a later date with details to follow.