Nancy Ann Gulden (Madsen, Alvestad)

Dec. 12, 1935-April 26, 2019

Nancy Ann Gulden was born in Fairplay, CO., to Arthur C. and Opal E. Gulden. She had two older siblings, Jack and Bonnie (Tam) Gulden. As a child, her family moved to Eastern Oregon living in Cove and later La Grande. She attended La Grande H.S. and also Canyonville Bible Academy where she graduated in 1953.

On August 5, 1955 she married Alvin D. Madsen of La Grande. They had 5 children and lived in La Grande, Brookings, Gold Beach and Portland, OR before divorcing in 1970. She later married Earl Alvestad and lived in Springfield, OR. In 1975 they separated, and Nancy moved to California, settling in Campbell. In 1997 she retired and moved to Renton, WA to help raise her granddaughter Lily Cason. In 2009 Nancy moved to Gresham, OR where she resided until her death.

Nancy was an experienced and talented seamstress. She spent the bulk of her career coordinating jobs and managing a custom drapery and upholstery shop in Campbell, CA. Her amazing taste and attention to detail led her work to be featured in Architectural Digest Magazine, which was a huge honor and a highlight of her career. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking and reading. The Ocean was a favorite place of hers and she enjoyed traveling with her friends and sister Tam. She loved animals and had a special connection with them – especially dogs. She had a funny and dry sense of humor along with a contagious laugh. We love her and will miss that special twinkle in her eyes and her quick-witted sarcastic comebacks when we teased her.

She is survived by her children; Mitch (Nancy) Madsen of Ridgefield, WA, Jeff (Cindy) Madsen of La Grande, OR, Kristi Madsen Cason (Kenny) of San Antonio, TX, Teresa (David) Hall of Gresham, OR, Eric (Jeannie) Madsen of Elgin, OR, 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and sister Bonnie (Tam) Lange Butler. Her dear friend Lynne Swanson and children Jollyn and John Green were like a second family to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jack Gulden and beloved honorary nephew, John Green. Her children and extended family held a celebration of life on June 1st in La Grande, Oregon. At her request there will be no public service. Memorial contributions in her honor may go to a no-kill animal shelter of your choice.