Patricia Jean Madsen passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 7th 2025 at the age of 85. She was born on October 31st 1939 in Canon City, Colorado to Virginia Thornton and Arlie Townsend. 

She spent much of her childhood growing up in the Blocksburg, Dinsmore, Carlotta, Hydesville area. She boarded for school in Fortuna, Hydesville, and Swain’s Flat. She graduated from Fortuna High in 1957. 

Patricia married her first husband, Richard Gaboriault in 1958. Shortly after getting married they welcomed their first son, Todd. Their second son Mark was born 2 years later. They spent many years on the road traveling as Richard was a logging truck driver. She took on the role of a den mother with The Boy Scouts and as a room mom for both of the boys. 

Patricia married her second husband Leland Madsen in 1975. They welcomed their first born daughter, Sonja in 1975. Their second child, Tara was born 2 years later. When the girls were little she became a member of the Methodist church in Fortuna. She started teaching Sunday School and also joined the women’s group. She became a teacher’s aid at Fortuna Middle School in 1987 and retired in the mid 2000’s. She also spent many years as a member of the Fortuna Genealogy Society and the Fortuna Library.

She loved having a hand in helping raise her grandchildren. They meant the world to her. Crafting and gardening with them when they were little was one of her favorite hobbies. Attending as many of their sporting events was a must. Time spent with the great-grandchildren was cherished just as well. Taking care of family was her pride and joy. She also enjoyed writing, star gazing, bird watching, MLB, Nascar, and old TV shows.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia & Arlie Townsend; her brother, Jerry “Bud” Townsend; husband, Leland Madsen; daughter, Sonja Armstrong; son in law, Calvin “Brad” Armstrong;  granddaughter, Adrienne LeRoy, and brothers in-law; Neil, Melvin, and Gary Madsen. 

She is survived by her sister Peggy Macy (Gary); son, Todd Gaboriault (Deb), and Mark Gaboriault; daughter, Tara Johnson (Sage Foley); grand children, Broc Gaboriault, Mallory Phillips, Ross Gaboriault, Nick Gaboriault, Hannah Nevins, Derek Johnson, Bailey Foley, Maxton LeRoy, Brooklyn Armstrong, and Beau Armstrong. Great granddaughters; Charlee Gaboriault, Veronica Cruz, Corbin Gaboriault, Sophia Shelton, Isabella Blankenship, Malia LeRoy, Kyler Gaboriault, and Nathan Gaboriault. She is also survived by her nephews Trent and Ty Macy; and niece, Ginny Townsend. 

There will be a memorial service at The Fortuna United Methodist Church on June 14th at 1:00. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the church.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Patricia Jean Madsen’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.