Kaylee and Maddie

Kaylee, our middle child of five, was born on June 8, 2001. She was tough, fair, protective, and fearless — the ultimate go-getter who never held back on love, on fights, or on life. She convinced us to let her attend Lake City High School, then headed to the University of Idaho with Maddie by her side. A proud Alpha Phi sister majoring in general studies, she was weeks away from graduating early and had already landed her dream job in Texas. She was so excited to show off her new Range Rover during her final trip home. Kaylee came into this world surrounded by family and love, and she left it the same way — with her chosen sister Maddie right beside her.

Maddie, born just two weeks before Kaylee in 2001 in May 25th 2001 was our gift of life, our purpose, and our hope. Her infectious, offbeat humor could light up any room, and her kind heart made everyone feel seen. A Pi Beta Phi sister majoring in marketing, she worked at the Mad Greek and always made sure no one ever went hungry. She spread joy wherever she went, and we celebrated her every year on Maddie May Day with random acts of kindness in her name. Like Kaylee, she lived fully and loved deeply.

The two of them did everything together — from middle school giggles to college nights out, from family vacations to late-night talks about their futures. They were roommates, confidantes, and each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Their laughter filled our homes, their adventures filled our stories, and their love made our families stronger.

On November 13, 2022, our girls were taken from us far too soon. The pain of that night shattered our hearts in ways we still struggle to put into words. Yet even in our deepest grief, we find comfort knowing they were together, just as they always wanted to be. Their ashes were divided between our two families so they could remain with both of us forever.

We choose to remember Kaylee and Maddie not for how they left this world, but for how brightly they lived in it. We remember Kaylee’s adventurous spirit and fierce drive. We remember Maddie’s quirky smile and generous heart. We remember the way they made every room brighter, every day better, and every person luckier to know them.

To everyone who loved them, who prayed for them, who has carried their memory: thank you. Your kindness has helped hold us up. We ask that you continue to honor our girls by living with the same love, laughter, and loyalty they showed every single day.

Kaylee and Maddie will always be six siblings between our families. They will always be together. And they will always be deeply, endlessly loved.

With broken but grateful hearts,

The Goncalves Family & The Mogen Family