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Madelyn Elizabeth Flaherty, age 60, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Rush Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, surrounded by her loving husband and family.
Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Madelyn was the cherished daughter of the late, Delhi A. and Madelyn J. (Kunnert) Doty.
Madelyn is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 40 years, Jim Flaherty and their sons Jared (Leanne) of Geneseo, Illinois, and Sean (Alexis) of Valparaiso, Indiana. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Madelyn Mae, Gracie Lee, and Connor Ethan Flaherty, who were the light of her life.
She also leaves behind her loving siblings, Rose (Dick) Mills, Diane (Rod) Boyer, Delhi Doty and Dale (Mary) Doty, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever treasure Aunt Mad.
Madelyn’s extended Flaherty family, Tim (Sandy), Teresa (Todd), and Dan (Brenda) were a special part of her life and heart.
She was preceded in death by her beloved youngest son, Ethan Anthony, her parents, and her oldest sister, Lynn Krausman.
Madelyn radiated joy and compassion wherever she went. Her kind, magnetic spirit had a way of drawing people in. She made everyone feel special, valued, and loved. A graduate of Wahlert Catholic High School, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose University in 1987, embracing a lifelong love of learning and service as a social worker and mental health professional.
Her talents in the kitchen were legendary. Madelyn’s cooking and baking knew no limits, and her famous banana bread was shared generously with friends and neighbors alike. Beyond her culinary gifts, she had a zest for life. She loved to travel, enjoyed countless motorcycle rides with Jim, and cherished the many years boating together.
Madelyn’s heart for service shone brightly through her volunteer work in schools and churches, where she devoted countless hours to helping children and families. Her love for others was boundless, and her legacy of generosity will continue to touch lives for years to come.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14th from 4-8PM at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 370 N County Line Road, Hobart, IN. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N Calumet Road in Chesterton, with Fr. Jon Plavcan officiating.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate doctors and nurses at Rush Medical Center who cared for Madelyn with extraordinary kindness and dedication throughout her courageous journey with lymphoma since 2024.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family, for the continued support for Sterling Hope, an organization dear to Madelyn’s heart that continues the mission of honoring her son Ethan through the annual backpack project supporting local school children.
Madelyn’s life was a beautiful testament to love, laughter, and faith. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her light will continue to shine through all those who were blessed to know her.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
Psalms 34:18
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Madelyn was a outstanding cook. She would make meals for people n deliver to there homes. She did this for me for a Friend 🧡 that lives in Portage 3xs a week. She would even stop n pick up a 6 pack of diet Pepsi. She fed n took care of my Best Friend. She made me the Best German Chocolate Cake for my Birthday. I’m sure gonna miss your text messages. RIP my Dear Friend
Our sympathies to Jim and family. Madelyn is a beautiful person and I am blessed to have known her. Our prayers and hugs remain with Jim and family☘️
Madelyn was a wonderful, caring ,loving person to everyone. She loved life and her grandkids with all her heart and soul. Her 40 years of being such a wonderful wife to Jim will always be cherished . She was full of smiles , love and compassion. I will truly miss her always. May God keep her safe .❤️😥
Madelyn was one of the sweetest, most giving people I’ve ever met. It was an honor to know her. She was a bright star on this Earth and that light is going to be missed.
Madelyn was a great friend and a beautiful person. She loved her family and grandchildren deeply. She was always there with Jim by her side when our family was in need during life’s challenges. She would arrive with enough food to feed an army and made sure everyone ate. Our families spent many weekends together boating, birthdays, family reunions, weddings and holidays. This beautiful woman was in the hospital fighting for her life, she asked her sister to texted me to see if I was doing okay after the loss of my wife Linda. My wife and I could not have asked for better friends to share life’s journey with. I take comfort knowing you’re with Ethan. Rest in peace sweetheart. I don’t know why God always takes the good one’s first.
You don’t replace people like Madelyn! You only feel grateful to have known her, and in Madelyn‘s case to know a person who exemplified the biblical mandate to “prefer one another in honor”, as that is exactly how Madelyn lived her life—looking for what she could do for someone else, and putting herself second. She certainly made this world a better place! My prayers to friends and family that will miss her very much. You were blessed!
My sympathies to Jim & family. Madelyn will always hold a special place in my heart! So many great memories from the marina & E Dock! I’ll never forget driving in from Wisconsin when Thomas was a baby for a visit & Driving straight to the marina. By the time I got there Thomas was not having it! Needless to say Madelyn was there to save the day. She said give me the diaper bag and Thomas & you go unwind for a while. She looked after Thomas & I was able to relax for a bit not having to worry. She was the best & will be truly missed by many! Hugs to you all.
I was fortunate to have met your beautiful wife twice when she came to visit her amazing sister, Di Boyer, in Versailles, KY. I first met her on a beautiful Easter weekend. Her smile could lift anyone’s spirits. She had a zest for life. Di invited several friends over to spend some individual time with Maddy throughout the weekend. Her spirits were lifted that weekend for sure. I felt so blessed to have met her. I got to see Madelyn one more time, when her daughter-in-law, Leanne, drove Madelyn down to Kentucky, along with her 3 adorable grandkids (Madelyn Mae, Gracie Lee and Connor). She looked amazing! It was such a special visit. Di, you certainly knew how to lift up her spirits. While there, we were all treated to a special concert by the kids, singing songs they learned at VBS. You could tell how much they loved her.
My heart goes out to Jim & the rest of your family for this sudden loss of your beautiful bride. She was certainly an angel on earth and will continue to be an angel in heaven watching over all of those that loved her.
Praying for peace and strength for each of you.
Peggy Rambicure
Dearest Jim and family, my deepest condolences to each of you during this time..!🙏🏽 I was privileged to finally meet Madelyn during her healing visit to Kentucky earlier this year when she came and spent time with Lady Di, as Fr. Norman (my beloved baby brother) called her and I continue to do the same. I got to spend some quality time with Madelyn, breaking bread with some delicious breakfast from DV8 restaurant, massaging her feet while we said the rosary, and catching up on her life’s journey! What a beautiful rich and deep life she lived; I feel like I know each of you now!😌 And what a romantic love story of how you both met, Jim!💞
Know that you are all in my perpetual prayers as we walk in solidarity of losing a dearly beloved family member. I am humbled by the strength she exhibited fighting the good fight against her illness while remaining graceful, kind, generous, and joy-filled. She knew whom she belonged to and that was her rock. I just pray that I have an ounce of the faith and strength she modeled..!
May God bless you and keep you. May He shine His face upon you and give you peace.
God is truly good all the time, and all the time God is good!
Sincerely,
Maria Fischer-Boothe
My deepest sympathy to the family, Madelyn will be dearly missed, she was a wonderful person, I met her at St. John Bosco grade school where our children went. I moved away but kept in touch thru Facebook with her. May she Rest peacefully now! Love you, Madelyn