Calyssa Madsen

On September 10, 2013, our sweet daughter, Calyssa Ann Madsen, passed away in her mother’s arms and returned to be in her Heavenly Father’s care. She passed away at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was 18 months old.
Calyssa was born on March 1, 2012, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Michael and Chalyce Madsen. When she was 5 days old, she underwent open heart surgery. Shortly thereafter, it was determined that she had Complete DiGeorge Anomaly, and she was later diagnosed with Charge Syndrome. She also had numerous other surgeries, including a tracheostomy, G-tube placement and Broviac line placement. In May 2012, she received a bone marrow transplant that was donated by her oldest brother, Darren, and in late June, was finally able to come home with us from the hospital. Since then, she was hospitalized many times for respiratory problems and fevers. Toward the latter part of her life, she developed Hungry Bone Syndrome and Osteopenia. Calyssa fought a good fight during her entire life, was strong, and overcame numerous illnesses and difficulties. But with her last illness, her body could not take any more hardships. We felt that it was Heavenly Father’s wish to take her, so we let her have rest.
Calyssa had the biggest smiles and was blessed with large, beautiful, bright eyes and the cutest curly hair. She was always very observant and interactive with others, and when she was doing well, she loved to smile, clap her hands, and laugh at her brothers as they played with and cared for her. She was always playing with her feet or with her medical tubes and cords. She loved to watch Mickey Mouse Club House, and whether she was sick or happy, her pacifier was the ultimate comforter. Calyssa had a funny, stubborn and sweet personality which captivated those around her. From the time she was born, we were always deeply grateful that we were blessed to have her as a part of our family–she was a joy to have in our home.
During her short stay here on Earth, Calyssa touched many lives and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her parents, Michael and Chalyce; her brothers, Darren and Maisen; and also by her grandparents, some great grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. We would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful and caring doctors, nurses and other staff members of Primary Children’s Medical Center who took such great care of Calyssa. We also love and appreciate the nurses from both Maxim and Harmony who took care of her at night in our home. We are also very grateful for the thoughts, prayers and acts of service gladly provided by all of our family members and friends. Calyssa completed her mission here on Earth, and even though we will miss her terribly, we know she is in a better place where she can be free from pain. We are comforted to know that families can be sealed for eternity and that we will see her again. And we are grateful to our Father in Heaven for this special opportunity to be a part of Calyssa’s life here on earth.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 14th at 11:00am at the Westland 3rd Ward Meetinghouse located at 7265 S. 2700 W., West Jordan, Utah 84084. A viewing will be held on Friday evening from 7:00-9:00pm at the Redwood Memorial Mortuary at 6500 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123. There will also be a viewing for an hour before the funeral on Saturday, at the Westland 3rd Ward Meetinghouse.
Interment will be at Redwood Memorial Park.