Family, friends and complete strangers gathered in Winona Sunday to remember a young woman whose life ended far too soon, in a violent way that could not be further from the way she lived.
Madeline Kingsbury, a mother of two children ages 2 and 5, was reported missing on March 31. Family members and friends told police it was extremely unusual behavior for Madeline, a researcher at the Mayo Clinic and a devoted mother.
After weeks of searching and investigation, Madeline's body was discovered in a remote wooded area just north of Mabel, the hometown of ex-partner Adam Fravel. He was quickly arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
A crowd gathered at Winona State University's McCown Gym Sunday afternoon for a public memorial service, with many more joining online. A number of speakers, including Madeline's brother and sister, remembered a sparkling light who made life an adventure for all of those around her.
Maddi's brother Steve told stories from their childhood, recalling her free spirit and zest for life.
"Madeline's character was built on a foundation of love, respect and expecting the best from others. Over the past months, myself and my family have met countless individuals and groups who can attest to the joy she put out into the world. She deserved reciprocation ten times over," Steve Kingsbury reflected. "She deserved the world, and so much more."
Friend Holly Waterson reflected on the roles Kingsbury juggled; mother, friend, counselor and confidant, a person who would talk for hours, and sing at the drop of a hat. "Big smile, big heart... that's Maddi," Waterson recalled.
Madeline's close friend also made a promise, that the greater community would all make sure that her children would know their mother, even though she will not be around as they embark on life's journey.
"We will make sure they come to know her through our shared memories and stories, about her sense of humor, intelligence, fierce loyalty and undying spirit," Waterson vowed.
Her big sister and best friend Megan Kingsbury talked about the things Maddi strongly valued; among them, letting others live their lives in a way that makes them happy, and making the world a better and healthier place "one recyclable bottle or compost bin or reusable bag at a time."
Acknowledging the pain of losing Madeline felt by her family, friends, and a community that came to know who she was during hours of searching and praying, Megan Kingsbury shared the impact of a book she recently read about two sisters who lost their father to illness, describing them as stained glass... "shattered into pieces."
"I feel quite the same, as I'm sure a lot of us do," Megan told the assembled crowd of hundreds. "Stained glass people. But stained glass, when it's put back together, is a thing of beauty. And that's what I want for all of us... Maddi saw beauty in all of us, and wouldn't want us to remain broken."
"The path of healing will be long and twisted," she continued. "The destination, seemingly out of reach, a reach that is arduous. I encourage everyone to take comfort in the fact that Madeline is no longer alone, and she is no longer suffering."
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