Sherry Madsen

Sherrel Kay Schlegel Madsen, known and cherished as Sherry, slipped away from this life on September 30, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on Halloween, October 31, 1942, in American Fork, Utah, she entered the world ready for celebration—and she never stopped making life feel like a party worth attending.

On January 14, 1965, she married her sweetheart, Calvin Madsen, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and an open door policy that turned every gathering into something special. Whether it was Halloween (her birthday bonus), Thanksgiving, or Christmas, Sherry was in her element—planning, cooking, decorating, and gathering her people close. Family was her entire world, and she was fiercely and joyfully loyal to every one of them.

Sherry spent her professional years nurturing young minds as a beloved thirdgrade teacher, then twenty years in the education department at the Deseret News. She loved her 12 years on the Murray School Board and even ran as write in candidate for Mayor of Murray, before returning to elementary classrooms as a substitute until just last year.

She kept in constant touch with family, friends and neighbors, sending those famously long texts her family lovingly called “5-swipers.” How we will miss those messages now. She was, without question, the best mom and gramma anyone could hope for.

Sherry carried an unwavering testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a deep love for her Savior. We are certain her heavenly homecoming was beautiful —reuniting with her parents and so many dear ones who went before. And knowing her, she is already planning the grandest family reunion for the rest of us when our time comes.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Calvin A. Madsen; her children Gary (Melanie), Craig (Vanessa), John (Kim), Susan (Cabe), and Amy (Marvin); 17 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

The family invites all who loved her to celebrate her remarkable life on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the LDS Chapel, 6180 S. Glenoaks Street, Murray.

Viewing will be held from 9:00–10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Sherry will be laid to rest in the American Fork Cemetery.

Her light, her loyalty, and her love will remain with us—forever