Madelyn Milave Galovich

Madelyn Milave “Maddie” Galovich brought light, laughter and fierce determination to every moment of her life. She was born on April 4, 2004, in Duluth, MN, and passed away on July 7, 2025, in Minneapolis, MN.

After starting her college journey at the University of Arizona, Maddie transferred to Minnesota State Mankato, where she was a senior majoring in pre-med focusing on neurology with a minor in criminal law.

Maddie embraced life with a vibrant spirit never letting her diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) define her limits. Instead, she became a passionate and effective advocate for SMA research and disability rights determined to find a cure and improve medical treatments for others. To Maddie, her power wheelchair was not a barrier, but simply another way to move forward and chase her dreams.

Maddie’s positivity and infectious smile lit up every room she entered. She was known for her bubbly energy, quick wit, and playful sarcasm. She often joked, “if I tease you, it just means I love you.” She loved giving everyone in her life a nickname as her own unique personal token of affection.

Her faith was a steady anchor, giving her strength and a deep sense of purpose. It was woven into every part of her daily life and shaped who she was.

She was especially proud of her role as an aunt, affectionately known as “Auntie Mannie” and “Tee-Tee” to her nine nieces and nephews. Each of them adored her as someone who made each of them feel deeply loved and uniquely special.

Maddie’s love for dancing and singing was woven into her life from a young age. She competed with her dance team, performed in shows and attended 14 years of father-daughter balls – moments she cherished with all her heart. She also took singing lessons, bravely performed for crowds and auditioned for American Idol – making it through several rounds to the final cut before the live shows. She was fearless in her pursuit of every dream that made her soul shine.

Maddie was a self-proclaimed “typical 21-year-old” who loved music, traveling, jewelry, hair and nails, and tattoos (even those kept secret from her mother). Above all, she treasured time with friends and family, always leaving people happier than she found them.

As a popular social media influencer, Maddie spoke eloquently on a wide range of topics, from Grey’s Anatomy to hair and makeup stylings, spirituality, and neurology. She frequently posted videos and blogs, showcasing her leadership, humor and passion for advocacy.

A highlight of Maddie’s life was her 2017 Make-A-Wish trip to New York City, where she met Leah Remini. What began as a typical meet-and-greet blossomed into a lifelong friendship highlighting Maddie’s ability to build deep, genuine relationships throughout her life.

She adored her three beloved dogs, Frankie, Gracie, and Marley. Frankie was her “four-legged human” who took weekly treat trips on “Frankie Fridays”. Both Frankie and Gracie were her constant snuggle buddies and true best friends, showered with the same unconditional love Maddie gave to all. Maddie also had a special place in her heart for Marley, who passed away several years ago but was her first true best friend.

Maddie was blessed with three amazing personal care assistants – Abbey, Leah and Carlie – whose dedication and compassion went far beyond their roles. They were not just her caregivers but her best friends, who shared in her daily adventures, laughter and unwavering determination to live life fully.

Maddie’s beautiful spirit lives on in those who loved her most. She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Candace and Greg Jackson; her father and stepmother, Robert and Sheila Galovich; her siblings, Ashley (Nick) Jensen and Jordan (Hailey) Sarkela; her stepsiblings, Kailey Jackson, Bryn (Sarah) Jackson, Bradan Jackson, Chelsea (Drew) LeBlanc, and Tanner Puhl; her nieces and nephews, Carter Jensen, Axton Jensen, Beckett Oekle, Stetson Sarkela, Sofina LeBlanc, Sylvie LeBlanc, Otzi LeBlanc, Benjamin Jackson, and Adelheid Jackson and step grandparents Barry and Christine Findley.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Patrick and Paulette Ozzello, Nancy House, Robert Galovich II, and Diane Tezak, her stepbrother, Devin Puhl.

Though her time with us was far too short, Maddie’s bright spirit, fierce love and unwavering faith will live on forever in the hearts of everyone who was blessed to know her. Her light remains, reminding us to live fully, love deeply and never stop fighting for what we believe in.

Maddie’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers and support they received during this unimaginable time. Your kindness, comforting words, and shared memories of Maddie mean more than words can say. Thank you for standing with us, loving Maddie, and helping to keep her beautiful spirit alive. In honor of Maddie’s passion and fight for a cure, the family asks that any memorials be directed to cureSMA.org to help continue the work she cared about so deeply.

Funeral service will be 11am, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Crossview Covenant Church (2000 W. Howard Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003) with visitation one hour prior.

Celebration of Madelyn's life will also be held at 1pm, Thursday, July 17, 2025 at The Morrish Room at the Greysolon Ballroom (231 E. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802). Burial will follow at the Oneota Cemetery in Duluth.