Virginia Cannegieter Madsen

Surrounded by her family, Virginia Cannegieter Madsen, 90, peacefully passed away and returned home for Christmas on a snowy December 25th, 2008 in Murray Utah.

She was born July 19, 1918 the daughter of William and Florence Cannegieter in Murray. She married Robert Carl Madsen on October 29, 1942. Except for a short time immediately following her marriage when she accompanied her husband to military assignments at Phoenix, Arizona and Brownsville, Texas, Virginia lived her entire life in Murray, Utah. She graduated from Murray High School and LDS Business College. Raised in a very musically talented family, she sang in many church and civic functions including leads in high school operas and was offered a music scholarship at Utah State University. She continued singing in a trio with lifelong friends Winnifred Campbell and Shirley Cornwall for many years – Winny, Ginny, and Shirley were always a hit. She was also a skilled secretary, an intuitive cook (she seldom followed exact recipes) and was adept at sewing, crocheting and cross stitching. She was gentle, unpretentious, cautious, and had an easy-going sense of humor - she wasn’t afraid to laugh at herself.

Virginia was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various capacities including service as a temple worker. By far her greatest joy and fulfillment was being a wife, mother and consummately devoted homemaker. She wasn’t a world traveler – her home and family were her world. After her husband's passing, Virginia spent many years living alone. In those years and her last few days on this earth, her true character never waivered. She never complained and was always gracious and grateful for everything done in her behalf. She lived her life with dignity and selflessness.

Virginia is survived by a sister, Helen Young, Murray; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Elsmore, Murray; sons and daughters-in-law James M. and Maxine Madsen, Riverton, Utah; Joel D. and Karyn Madsen, Providence, Utah; Michael D. and Michelle Madsen, Kearns, Utah; daughter and son-in-law Jane and Larry Bianucci, Riverton, Utah; 19 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Robert Carl Madsen Jr., sisters Erma Beckstead, Stella Johnson, Florence Olson, Margaret Brissell, Lois (infant) and brother Morris Cannegieter.

The family is appreciative of the staff at the Intermountain Medical Center for their professional, thoughtful and compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday January 2, 2009 at Little Cottonwood 8th Ward, 6180 S. Glenoaks Dr. (855 E.). Friends may call Thursday, January 1, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State St. and Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment in the Murray City Cemetery.