Shelli L. Madisen
It is with profound sadness that the family of Shelli Lin Madisen 54, resident of Racine, announce her
unexpected passing on Saturday April 8, 2023. She was born on June 10, 1968, to Thomas McCarthy and
Maria Goll (nee: Saccomandi).
Shelli was a graduate of Washington Park High School. She attended the University of Wisconsin
Parkside and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1997.
Shelli would go on to become a social worker for Racine County working with the Professional Services
Group (PSG) as a Youth and Family Services Program Supervisor. In 2003, she became the Foster Home
Coordinator for Racine County where she helped to bring countless families together. In 2009 she began
working at Northpointe Resources in Zion, Illinois. In 2012 she worked at Kenosha Human Development
Services (KHDS) as a case manager/crisis worker. Shelli also sold real estate with Coldwell Banker.
Shelli loved to travel, often reminiscing about family trips to Italy, the trip to Mexico with her sister
Carrie and Aunt Tina, or the Caribbean cruise with her daughter where they packed two suitcases full of
shoes. She loved following politics and in 1993 decided at midnight to drive to Washington DC to attend
Bill Clinton’s inauguration with her sister Laura.
Shelli was incredibly creative and was a talented scrapbooker. She even taught herself how to sew and
make quilts. Her creativity combined with her energy also made her the best hostess. Give her a theme
and she could create a party out of thin air. The family will fondly remember those Christmas parties at
the house on Lathrop Ave.
Shelli was a beautiful, vibrant, strong, and very giving person. Her final act was to give the gift of life
through organ donation, gifting her heart, lungs, and kidney to help others in need. She will be missed
immensely by all those that loved her.
Shelli is survived by her mother, Maria (Frank) Goll; father, Thomas McCarthy; daughter, Alyssa (Brian)
Niechlanski (nee: Cepukenas); sisters, Laura (Herb) Mai, and Carrie McCarthy. She is further survived by
her half-sister, Erica (Anthony) Paul (nee: Fisa); step brother, Greg (Karen) Goll; nephews, Jacob
Poffenberger, Jared Mai, Andrew Poffenberger, Ryan Mai, Gabriel Goll; niece, Gabriella Goll; aunts,
Colomba Vosseller (nee: Saccomandi), Tina (Dan) Luchinski (nee: Saccomandi); uncle, Paul Saccomandi;
cousins; Shan (Shoko) Vosseller, Gina (Ben) DeBruin (nee: Saccomandi), Troy (Mary) Vosseller, Kyle
(Ashley) Luchinski, Chelsea (Brenden) Bisciglia (nee: Luchinski), other family, and countless friends. She is
preceded in death by her grandparents; Quinto and Lucia Saccomandi and Dennis and Mable McCarthy;
and stepmother, Colleen McCarthy (nee: Sather)
A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday April 18th from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at the Lord of Life Church, 5601 Washington Road, Kenosha Wisconsin 53144, with a
service immediately to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Dana Coyne says:
I am so sorry, Alyssa, to hear of your mom’s tragic and unexpected passing. I did not ever get to meet her, but she was apparently a very beautiful and talented woman. I am sure she will be sorely missed. Love and hugs to you and her family.
Marcia Peterson says:
I am so sad to hear of Shelli’s passing. I am shocked, and my heart aches for you Maria, and Carrie and Laura and Alyssa. Shelli is loved by so many and will always be remembered. I am so sorry. With deepest sympathy, Marcia
Torres family says:
In gods arms, with angels wings…we will miss you alwayz xoxo
Barb Madisen says:
Alyssa I am so sorry for your loss. Big hugs and prayers for you.
Joann Ryan says:
Alyssa and family, I am so very sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Please know you and your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers!!!!! I hope memories will heal your heart as you go through this loss ❤️🙏🥰🙏❤️
Stephanie Barr says:
I’m so sorry for your loss . Shelli holds a special place in my heart . She placed several children in our home when she worked as Foster Care coordinator in Racine. We adopted 3 children through foster care and Shelli helped us through our journey . Her care and compassion was genuine and much appreciated! Heaven has a beautiful Angel !
Jayson Bublitz says:
I am so sorry for your loss, Alyssa. I’m glad I had the chance to reconnect with Shelli the past few years. She was a dear friend and a wonderful human being. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Scott Anderson says:
I did not know you very long but you made it feel as we were friends for a life time I will forever miss your calls to “check in” on me ! You were a kind caring soul at the worst time in my life but your insight and caring thoughts made me realize it can get better I will always keep in my heart the conversations we had both long and short . You were a gift in my life and will always and forever be in my thoughts .
Debra Johnson says:
Tom, I am so very sorry you lost your daughter.
Thomas Madisen says:
We’re very sorry for your loss! Our prayers are with you and your family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Dawn Klinkhammer says:
My heart is so sad. We shared such a wonderful friendship in middle and high school. Even though we lost touch over the years you hold a very special place in my heart as one of my Forever best friends. May your soul be at peace and your forever smile continue to shine bright over your family. Sending prayers for comfort and strength for your family.
Roberta (Bobbie) Lewis says:
I’m so sorry for your loss. I was friends with Shelli in high school. We had a blast together. She was always full of joy. I will be praying for your family.
Jeff Theama says:
Alyssa and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to all of you. Shelli is the one that got my wife and I in to beginning foster care parents. She is a true angel, and will be deeply missed.
Angie Thomas says:
Shelli was a beautiful sweet girl. I have many happy childhood memories of her and her sisters. My most heartfelt condolences to Tom, Maria, Lori and Carrie. In time I hope you too will find comfort in your memories.
Leslie Jensen says:
I am so sorry! We had chatted a few times about getting together for coffee. I have so many memories. Shelli was such a great friend growing up and will always have a special place in my heart. ❤️
Brian Jensen says:
Our deepest condolences to the Madisen family, friends, and those most justly impacted by her being in your lives one way or another. She was definitely taken too soon.