Madalyn Utz, devoted wife and mother, passed away on the morning of June 16, 2014. Although Madalyn suffered from heart disease, her passing was quick and peaceful. She had said she’d live her life fully and with aplomb until her final day, and she got her wish.

Madalyn was born on May 3, 1934, to Croatian parents Mark and Mary Turtan in Portland, Oregon. She grew up as an only child in northeast Portland, attending Kennedy Grade School and Jefferson High School. She then attended University of Portland, graduating magna cum laude in June 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in education. While attending the University of Portland, she met her lifelong love, Frederick Raymond (Ray) Utz, Jr. They married in August 1955. That same year, she taught fourth grade at Menlo Park Elementary. In June 1956, her daughter, Maureen Utz was born. Her son, Mark Utz, was born in June 1957.

Ray and Madalyn moved to Northeast Portland and lived in the Concordia area for thirteen years, building their home on 38th Avenue and Holman Street. They later moved to Bull Mountain in Tigard, where she resided until her death. Madalyn provided an inviting home for family and friends, often entertaining large groups. She was especially known for her Croatian cooking.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed the arts, particularly literature and music. In her youth, she was an accomplished pianist, winning many local competitions. She later was active in the Tigard Friends of the Library and neighborhood book groups.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 59 years, Ray Utz, son, Mark Utz (Gudren), and daughter, Maureen Utz, three grandsons and two great-granddaughters. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A memorial mass will be held on Monday, June 23,2014, at 11:00 a.m., at the Madeleine Catholic Church (3123 NE 24th Avenue, Portland). A reception will follow at the church hall. Viewing will occur between 10:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., followed by internment at 3:00 p.m. at Riverview Abbey Mausoleum located at 0319 SW Taylors Ferry, Portland.

The family asks that donations be made to Oregon Dog Rescue (6700 S.W. Nyberg Street, Tualatin, OR 97062 or www.oregondogrescue.org) or the American Heart Association in her memory.

For further information and an online guestbook, please go to: www.riverviewabbey.com.