Rosa L. Madsen, 90 July 14, 1925 - Jan. 13, 2016

Rosa Madsen was born in Viraco, Peru, to Fernandina Cardenas and Daniel Huaco Cardenas. She had wonderful memories of time spent on the cattle farm owned by her family that was high in the Andean mountains, and in the city house in Arequipa. She was an independent person who hoped for something different.

She emigrated to the United States in 1955 and lived in San Francisco. Despite not knowing English she pursued employment. She obtained her first job as a custom seamstress for Macy’s Department Store. Soon she met the tall, blond, handsome man that she had dreamed of. In 1956 she married Arne Madsen. Arne was a Dane who was stationed in Spokane, Wash., with the U.S. Air Force.

They ultimately moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1968 with their three girls. Rosa had her greatest joys at the Coeur d’Alene Eagles. She competed in the drill team, and had many memorable nights dancing with her husband. She was a dedicated mother and housewife. Beyond her family, her passion and life blood came from gardening. She loved the land and was a conservationist before there were conservationists.

Always improving and challenging herself, she participated in Toastmasters hoping to practice English. She was an Avon lady for some time. Her greatest challenge was when Arne suddenly died. She took ESL classes through North Idaho College. She was extremely proud to obtain her U.S. citizenship in 1986. In her last years, she greatly enjoyed the friendships she obtained while playing Canasta at the Lake City Center. Rosa found communion with God both at St. Thomas Catholic Church as well as in nature.

Rosa leaves behind daughters Diana Anson (Michael Anson), Betty Burke (Barry Burke) and Ingrid Madsen (Christopher Bates). She was loved and respected by her extended family: Nicklas Nelson, Mike Anson, Jeff Anson, Erika Burke, Ryan Burke, Ashley Burke, Rachael Bates, Sara Bates, Cameron Nelson, Kadon Nelson, Kyle Anson, Adrian Moon, Catelyn Moon and Landon; and her great-great-granddaughter, Aliyah.

Memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. Please visit Rosa’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.