Madison Kait Barthelmes, the loving, funny, heart-of-gold daughter of John and Kaitlyn Barthelmes passed away on February 14, 2023 after a year-long fight with Leukemia. She was born April 16, 2016 and lived in Fairport with her parents, three year old brother Jackson, and Grandparents Jim and Peggy Zorn – who all miss her dearly. She’s surrounded with love from uncles, aunts and cousins in Rochester, Buffalo, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kansas, Washington, Oregon, California and the UK.
Madison loved to sing and dance, and could often be found dancing with her nurses, doctors and even other patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital during her year long treatment stay. She had special moments and acitivities with every person she connected with. She loved drawing, crafting and playing with her friends and cousins, who were extremely important to her. With Grandpa they would learn magic. Grandma and Maddie were always sewing, baking and singing “Puff the Magic Dragon”. She would play and watch funny cat videos with her brother Jackson and was the best big sister teaching him everything she knew (and would often be found cuddling). She was a big fan of the Harry Potter and Twilight movies and would help her Papa tell “Harry Maddie” bedtime stories that always placed her in the center of the action. They also regularly played Barbies with long extravagant story lines. She enjoyed watching YouTube videos and has made many dance and challenge videos with her Mama in the hopes of becoming famous. Mama was also the one she cuddled with and shared her deepest secrets with.
Her favorite colors would change regularly and most recently settled on teal and black. Maddie wanted to grow up to be a hair dresser, makeup artist, song-writer, YouTube star, scientist and nurse. (www.furtenbachadventures.com) She had a love for animals. She wanted another kitten, a husky puppy, a sugar glider, and a monkey.
Madison was a bright light in this world and would have no problem sharing her positive attitude with anyone close by. She saw the best in everyone, even when those around her couldn’t. She taught us to realize that other people’s problems are bigger than our own. Throughout the past year of chemotherapy treatments, tests, pokes and prods she was always smiling and would say she was “good” with 2 thumbs up. Her attitude amazed her entire medical team and many would often say “She doesn’t even look sick” despite everything she was going through. She was adored by all her friends at Spotlight Studios and Dudley Elementary and family members far and wide. Madison had a will to live like no other. Even after 322 nights sleeping in the hospital, she still wanted to stay there for more treatment to get better so she could go on her epic trip she planned which includes: ”Great Wolf Lodge, New York City, Chautauqua, Disney, Great Wolf Lodge, London, Great Wolf Lodge for a month”.
Madison, in the eyes of her friends and family, will forever be that cheerful 6 year old. The perfect angel. Someone who would treat everyone like a best friend, even if they just met. She will be forever missed.
Calling Hours will be held Friday February 24 from 3-7pm and a Celebration of Life on Saturday February 25 at 3pm. Both events will be at Risen Christ Lutheran Church located at 1000 Mosley Road in Fairport.
Shuttles will begin Friday at 2:45PM from either the Park and Ride on Kenney Place (behind Crest Manor Nursing Home) or Casa Larga Vineyards. Shuttles for Saturday start at 2PM at the Park and Ride on Kenney Place or the Fairport Bus Garages 830 Ayrault Road.
Flowers are welcome but donations can be made in Madison’s name to Spotlight Studios (https://bit.ly/spotlightfairport) to help other kids learn to sing and dance, to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Rochester (http://www.lls.org), go out and donate blood or platelets in Madison’s name at the Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org) or sign up to be a bone marrow donor match at (https://bethematch.org). And the best way to remember Maddie is to go out and do something nice for someone, give someone a compliment, give someone a hug, and most importantly – dance!
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20 responses to “Barthelmes, Madison Kait”
Madison made a difference. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and ongoing as the journey now has taken a different turn. Madison will be remembered …
I am so sorry for such a painful loss, there are really no words of comfort. My prayers are with you. God bless.
Maddie forever be a shining star in our memories and in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as this is something we know that is unimaginable to have to live through. May the joys of happy Maddie memories live on in us all.
I knew Mr. Barthelemy (or B as we called him) through Greece Olympia High School. He was the director for a few school musicals. I have been following Madison’s journey on social media as I was touched by her story and the connection I had with her Dad. My finance Trevor survived Leukemia when he was 7 years old and has been in remission since. However some aren’t so lucky. This is a terrible disease and to see how Madison fought has inspired me and my family. In Madison’s honor, my family and me have scheduled to donate platelets at Red Cross so that we may help others who are still in this fight. My thoughts and prayers go out to B and the rest of the family. I hope the Lord lightens your hearts and minds during this terrible time. God Bless!
Madison, your gifts live on in your Daddy, Mommy, Jackson, Grandma and Grandpa. I can’t even imagine how extremely difficult writing this to honor your sweet daughter was…it is so beautiful, and poignant. I will continue to pray for all of you—this is just so unfair—and know that I hold you are tenderly in my heart.
Maddie is free from pain and suffering. She still lives… her life has changed, not ended. Kaitlyn, John and all her loved ones will see her again… at God’s appointed time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers… I know you still feel her… and I wish there were words that could bring you comfort or take away your pain, but I know there aren’t any. You are surrounded by countless amounts of love and prayers for your comfort and peace. I pray you feel it all and it can alleviate your pain… if only for a brief moment. The grit and grace your little angel displayed inspired countless people. I’m so sorry… and that feels hollow to say… but I truly am. God be with you.
Maddie is free from pain and suffering. It feels hollow to say that life isn’t fair, but it doesn’t matter how many times I try to wrap my head around this… it just doesn’t compute. Please know you are all in our thoughts… and we are praying for your peace and comfort. I hope you can feel that and it helps alleviate your despair… if only for a brief moment. Maddie life has changed, not ended. And while I believe that, again… it feels empty to say that to parents and family grieving a loss this significant. I wish I could take your pain away… I know her memory will live on forever. That amount of light and goodness can never be extinguished. God be with you. Sending you love and peace.
So much living and so much loving. What a beautiful portrait of life. She knew what truly matters. Thank you for sharing what made her so special.
May God surround you with His love and comfort. Our hearts are breaking for you all. Maddie will continue to be a light of hope, determination, strength and love in countless lives. Our love goes out to all of you.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
John and Kaitlyn, we are so sorry for your unspeakable loss. Thank you so much for sharing the blessing of Madison’s life with us here. She sounds like the most amazing daughter. Our prayers are with you and your family during this trying time. Psalm 121::1-2
John, Kaitlyn, Jackson, and all that know and love Madison we want to try to express our heartache for you. Words don’t exist for this type of loss or pain. How proud you must be of Madison. We can all take a page out of her book of strength, perseverance, love and kindness. Please know you have many near and far that have their arms around you. Take time to heal. Love Mick, Lisa and Brianna Whittemore ❤️
John, Kaitlyn, Jackson, and all that know and love Madison we want to try to express our heartache for you. Words don’t exist for this type of loss or pain. How proud you must be of Madison. We can all take a page out of her book of strength, perseverance, love and kindness. Please know you have many near and far that have their arms around you. Take time to heal. God be with all of you. Love Mick, Lisa and Brianna Whittemore ❤️
Maddie’s light will shine on in every step a dancer takes and every butterfly we see. May her memory be ever for a blessing. ❤️
With heart felt regrets on the loss of your loved one. It’s never the right time. It’s for never the right reason. We can only hope that the freight train of grief allows us to disembark. Please surround yourself with those that care and hold you close till the ride is over. Go with GOD in all things. Amen.
The LaBella family is so very sorry for the loss of your Angel Girl. No one should ever have to go through this. Deepest condolences.
No more suffering.. Rest in peace little angel ?
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Maddie will remain in our hearts and your family will be in our prayers.
The Anselmi Family
What a sweet girl, I remember only the best things about the few times she graced me with her presence and I love to picture her now hosting and staring in an angel talent show. We are so grateful for everything Maddie has given the world, her strength and spunk and sparkle is inspiring
Maddie is now healthy and happy with God. ?
What a Mighty Madison she was and continues to be in your hearts and souls forever. Many thanks to you for sharing the blessing and spirit that is Madison. With heartfelt regards to the family.