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Portrait of Madisyn Kali Bertsch
In loving memory

Madisyn Kali Bertsch

October 8, 1999 – May 14, 2016
Lived 16 years
Clovis, NM
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Life story

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Photos
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Lifetime

The world Madisyn knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1999
Born October 8
1999
Madisyn was born
2001
Madisyn went to the ER because she swallowed a dime and it got stuck in her throat
2002
We moved from Tyndall AFB, FL to Elmendorf AFB, AK Panama City to Anchorage
2003
We adopted Riley the dog and Buddy the cat
2005
We moved from Elmendorf AFB, AK to Holloman AFB, NM - Anchorage to Alamogordo
2005
Madisyn started kindergarten at Yucca Elementary where her mom had to take a job in the cafeteria
2005
Madisyn was 6 when the first video was posted to YouTube
2007
Madisyn was 8 when the first iPhone went on sale
2009
We moved from Holloman AFB to the Pentagon - Alamogordo to Virginia
2009
Madisyn was 10 when Captain Sully safely landed a jetliner on the Hudson River
2010
Madisyn was 11 when Apple's iPad went on sale
2013
We moved from the Pentagon to Al Udeid - Virginia to Qatar
2014
School trip to Tanzania
2014
Family trip- Venice, Cruise, London - Italy, Mediterranean, England
2014
Christmas vacation in Qatar to Bali
2014
Madisyn was 15 when the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral
2015
We moved from Al Udeid to Davis Monthan AFB - Qatar to Tucson
2015
Adopted Ellie the pitbull
2015
Madisyn was 16 when "Hamilton" opened on Broadway
2016
Got her POS car...
2016
Passed away May 14, age 16
Tributes and memories

9 memories shared

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Ryan Welsh 11w

The Room Felt Warmer

I miss her so much! She was always someone that made me feel seen and we became fast friends. We definitely had our share of laughs, cries, and of course helping each other… (mainly her helping me) in our junior math class. She helped me pass that class I won’t lie. Madisyn was truly selfless and took care of me in ways that only a true friend could. She made that cold math class really feel like fun, and every time I had class with her I knew it would be a good day. I think about what she would be doing now and where she would be and I know it would still be helping those she loves, and even then ones she doesn’t know. Definitely still think about driving her around Tucson with Rachel and being the only Tucson Native in the car, trying to give the tour of the city but those two really only wanting Eegees 😂! I was never gonna say no to that though. She helped me through a lot of loss that year, and sat with me at their grave sites, car and class, while we talked about those that we lost/I lost and she really helped me through that process. The teddy bear you guys gave me and her words still give me comfort and I hold them close to my heart always! I wasn’t much of “let’s take a picture” type of guy but the memories are vivid and I will never forget them! Including our prom night where we danced are butts off and scream sang the 2016 soon to be songs of the summer 😂! I hope you guys are doing well 💚

Photo shared by Ryan Welsh
1 comment
Stephanie BertschLove this!
Katelyn Gray 23w

Friends Forever

As soon as I met Madisyn I knew that we would be friends forever. We joked that Madisyn, Kirstien and I would be stuck in an old folks home together yelling and bickering at each other as little old ladies. I always find myself thinking about her in the car listening to a song I know she would like, when I travel somewhere I’d want to experience with her, or whenever I’m hitting a milestone in my life. I know she’s there with me, singing along. I often wonder who she would be today but one thing I know for sure is that we would still be in each others lives. While she wasn’t in Tucson very long, she immediately made strong friendships and had a lasting impact on so many peoples lives. I will always keep her with me. I miss her sass, bluntness, goofiness and I miss seeing her smile and hearing her laugh. I’m so grateful for knowing you Madisyn and being your friend. There is so much drama we will need to catch up on.

Photo shared by Katelyn Gray Photo shared by Katelyn Gray Photo shared by Katelyn Gray
2 comments
Stephanie BertschLove this!
Katelyn GrayPictures from Las Vegas, Halloween (she was a hippie), and the Pima County Fair (she said the creepy mannequin in the background was my new girlfriend 🤣)
Linda Jacquez 30w

My memories of Madisyn

Whem I flew to go stay with Stephanie, Jay, and the girls, it was Madisyn who ran to meet me yelling Grandmommy, Grandmommy. When we got to the house ,she showed me the Christian stockings. She said they got one for me, but they couldn't fit Grandmommy on it so they had to shorten it to G-Mommy. That's when I started going by G-Mommy I know her hair was her pride and joy. Her hsir had to be perfect before she would go anywhere. She wold brush it for such a long time. There couldn't be any kind of lump in it. She did have beautiful hair. When my brother, sister-in-law and I went to stay with the girls while Stephanie and Jay went on a cruise, Madisyn would tell my brother when he needed to get gas for the car and which gas station to use . She drew me a picture when they cam to Clovisone year. I always tried to save things like that, but for some reason hers is the only one I can find. Madisyn climbed inside a big turle shell. It was so cute and funny. There's a picture of her in the shell above. Later I found this cute turtle stuffed animal. It reminded me of Madisyn in the turtle shell. And when I looked, the tag said its bd was October 8th. I miss her everyday. I have a memory board of her in my living room, so I see her everyday. Always in my heart.

1 comment
Stephanie BertschHer hair was indeed her pride and joy! She would sometimes talk about coloring it, and we would all yell NO!!!!
Angie Bertsch 36w

Christmas 2015

So happy we got to spend that Christmas together. Wonderful memories. ❤️

Photo shared by Angie Bertsch Photo shared by Angie Bertsch
1 comment
Stephanie BertschThat can't be my girls with Fireball shots!!
Kirstien Gilbert 36w

One of a kind

Madi, you were vibrant and refreshing in a way that made everything feel lighter. Always smiling or being just the right amount of sassy. Thank you for the laughter, the honesty, and the way you always showed up. Our time was short, but your impact is forever. I miss you, and I carry you with me everyday! PS I’d like to add that Madi made the collage of us in our gangster hats 😂

Photo shared by Kirstien Gilbert Photo shared by Kirstien Gilbert Photo shared by Kirstien Gilbert Photo shared by Kirstien Gilbert Photo shared by Kirstien Gilbert Photo shared by Kirstien Gilbert Photo shared by Kirstien Gilbert Photo shared by Kirstien Gilbert
1 comment
Stephanie BertschThank you for being in her life!
Alexis Bertsch 36w

sisters for life 💕

I’ve missed you every day of the last 10 years. I know our relationship wasn’t perfect but you were-and always will be-my ride or die. I love you so much and I know you would be my greatest supporter and best friend if you were still here with us today. Thanks for always reminding me to live life to the fullest and don’t sweat the small stuff!

Photo shared by Alexis Bertsch Photo shared by Alexis Bertsch Photo shared by Alexis Bertsch Photo shared by Alexis Bertsch Photo shared by Alexis Bertsch Photo shared by Alexis Bertsch Photo shared by Alexis Bertsch Photo shared by Alexis Bertsch Photo shared by Alexis Bertsch Photo shared by Alexis Bertsch
1 comment
Stephanie BertschShe loved you like no other!
Tara Forayter 36w

Great times with Madi

Can’t believe it’s been 10 years. 😔. Remembering all the laughs in Vegas, the garage sale we didn’t really have, and the time we were asked if you were my partner. Miss you so much!

Photo shared by Tara Forayter Photo shared by Tara Forayter Photo shared by Tara Forayter Photo shared by Tara Forayter Photo shared by Tara Forayter Photo shared by Tara Forayter
1 comment
Stephanie BertschDo I need to pull over and let you out of the car???
Jennifer mckinney 36w

Family love

Love that girl

Photo shared by Jennifer mckinney Photo shared by Jennifer mckinney Photo shared by Jennifer mckinney
0 comments
Jennifer mckinney 36w

Family love

Family time in Tucson

Photo shared by Jennifer mckinney Photo shared by Jennifer mckinney
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