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Gudrun Kingo "Goody" Madsen (nee Jensen)

November 22, 2010

June 7, 1923-November 22, 2010


Passed away suddenly at home from complications of diabetes. Born in Gislev, Denmark, she became the first licensed female butcher there. Gudrun was in training to become a nurse when she emigrated to Canada in 1957 with her first three children, joining husband Karl in Victoria. Fourth child Kenneth was born in Canada in 1965. Gudrun, Karl and Kenneth moved to Qualicum Beach in 1974.


She had a special creative touch with everything she tried. She brought her artistic flair to her painting, sewing, decorating cakes, garden and floral arrangement, but most notably as a chef, both publicly and privately. Her family dinners were legendary. Locally, she fed many satisfied customers at the Glen Grey (now Gary’s Bistro) and Shoreline Hotel (now known as the Old Dutch Inn). If you hadn’t eaten her food, she very likely looked after your parents or grandparents as a member of Parksville Home Support, as Gudrun had gone back to school in her mid-fifties and relaunched the health care career she had always wanted as a certified care aide. She gave much comfort and cheer into the homes and lives of her clients until an injury caused her first retirement in 1984. She recovered to go on and dance with the Happy Squares, and was a member of the Nanoose Golden Agers and SOS volunteer drivers.


This didn’t keep her busy enough, so she returned to work as a private care aide, continuing into her seventies until her own health concerns took precedence. She managed to still camp and go fishing up until a couple of years ago, but never quit painting, baking or doing handcrafts, although her gardening was scaled back. She still couldn’t say no to a bit of off-roading or a ride on a motorcycle.


Gudrun was predeceased by her parents and three brothers, all of Denmark, and her husband Karl in 1983. Missing her sadly are son Kenneth Madsen (Lise) and grandson Karl, and canine family Chimo, Shida and Bandit, all of Qualicum Beach. Also left behind is daughter Vivi (Ted) Eveleigh and grandchildren Sharon, Greg and Chris Eveleigh; son John Madsen (Janis) and grandchildren Eric, Keir and Chelsea Madsen and grandchildren Mark, Steve and Jennifer Daykin, as well as five great-grandchildren, all of Victoria; and daughter Inger (Leif) Du Pont of Denmark, as well as numerous nieces and nephews there.


We are missing not only a mother but a truly great friend as well. We love you Mom.


There is no service by request; however there will be a private memorial at some future undecided date. Her wish was to have her friends and family get together over some good coffee and Danish open-faced sandwiches and think of her. As Mom felt it was important to make a difference, you can donate in her memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Parksville- Qualicum SPCA. She was a truly caring person who took great joy in helping others that needed it.


Sincere gratitude to the paramedics and firemen for your valiant efforts; the RCMP, Victims Services for their kindness and support; Yates Funeral Home for their comfort at a very difficult time in our lives. Many thanks to everyone else that has been there for us.



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