Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Madeleine Billings Obituary
Mae
06/15/1998 - 12/30/2021
Madeleine Mae Billings of Denver passed in her sleep on December 30, 2021 after a long and arduous struggle with a treatment-resistant eating disorder. She was just 23.
Maddie had the biggest heart and brain in the extended family. In the minefield of adolescent and young adult social circles, Maddie was the perennial Swiss, a member of all groups though exclusive to none. Everybody loved Maddie. Sadly her disease forbade her from seeing the shining light that all others saw.
Maddie graduated from Kent Denver High School with an obscenely-high grade point average and a standardized test score that annoyed and impressed many. She took seven A.P. classes, even Physics, against the strong recommendation of her mom and dad. She won the state soccer championship (pictured in the blue headband) with her little sister Emma, now 22 and a collegiate soccer player. Maddie attended Dartmouth College for a too-short time as her illness kept her in the hospital more than the classroom.
Maddie also had a great sense of humor. At age eleven, in the kitchen of a family friend, Maddie first heard the artist Eminem. She earnestly asked the adult in the room if Eminem was singing an "explicit" song. After confirmation, she thoughtfully shared that "my mom is an explicit driver."
Maddie's proudest achievement bar none was being a big sister. She stood on a chair and watched Pace, now 19, through a gym door window play basketball during one of her many hospital passes. She co-mothered Cooper, now 16, and smothered him with physical affection and positive feedback. In addition to her siblings, Maddie is survived by her mom and dad, Lisa and Nick Billings.
In her last week Maddie enrolled in a clinical trial at Johns Hopkins (where Emma just graduated early!) for treatment-resistant eating disorders. Maddie exhausted all conventional treatment, so her family has created the Maddie Mae Fund to support research into new treatment modalities for eating disorders. You can contact Nick at [email protected] if you are interested in further information.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Madeleine Billings
Sponsored by The Denver Post.
RoZanna
September 29, 2024
As someone who has struggled with multiple eating disorders/mental health issues for nearly half my life, Madeleines story really touched my heart. I am turning 23 in November and cannot imagine leaving this earth already. I still feel as though I have so much more I need to do. I have so much empathy for your family, and I really want to send my well-wishes and prayers your way. She is forever alive through you. <3 Thank you for sharing her battle. Much love.
Kevin William Lamphere
January 13, 2023
WHAT A SHAME. SO YOUNG, AND SO MUCH PROMISE LOST. THE WORLD IS A SADDER PLACE WITHOUT YOU. HOPMIDEFULLY, THERE IS A HEAVEN, AND YOU ARE IN HIS GRACE NOW.
KEVIN WILLIAM LAMPHERE
MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
Kelly
December 3, 2022
I knew Maddie from a treatment center in Boston in the summer of 2019. I just learned about her passing and wanted to offer my condolences. She was always such a friendly face in treatment and somebody that I looked up to. It hurts to know how much she struggled in the years since then. Wishing you all love.
Aly
August 15, 2022
As someone who suffers from anorexia, I want you to know that the memory of Madeleine will always be in my heart and mind while I try to fight this awful illness. Madeleine's story has really touched my heart. You must be so proud of her.
Another strugguler
July 1, 2022
I am so so sorry for your devastating loss. Maddie is in my heart and my family's. Eating disorders take so much and latch on to every last bit, they lie, they manipulate, they deeply hurt, and they are incredibly hard to conquer. You know this. You've seen it. She's had it. I which that everyone had a chance to meet Maddie, including me, she seems like an incredibly kind, wildly smart, thoughtful, and funny human being. I hope she is in a place that's calm now. I am so sorry for your loss. I will think of her everyday. With my love, sorrows, and grief, I am so sorry.
All my wishes to you and my deepest condolences.
Dana
July 1, 2022
Maddie, our lives briefly intertwined when we both went to the same residential treatment program in New England. I remember you were bright, inquisitive, sociable, and most of all determined to get better. I´m so sorry the illness overtook you but even though we knew each other for a short time, I know you fought your hardest until the end. You are now at peace.
Tracy
July 1, 2022
She´s in the sun, the wind, the rain,
she´s in the air you breathe
with every breath you take.
She sings a song of hope and cheer,
there´s no more pain, no more fear.
You´ll see her in the clouds above,
hear her whisper words of love,
you´ll be together before long,
until then, listen for her song.
By Christy Ann Martine
Lauren
July 1, 2022
Maddie was just a year younger than me. Reading her story I feel such a connection with her. As someone who has struggled off and on with AN since 15 ( I am currently doing well) and someone who feels deeply I see so much of myself in her and feel a though we could have been good friends. I am thinking of you all and Maddie and through my awareness and career as a social worker will aim to do more research and awareness for treatment resistant eating disorders. Maddie will never be forgotten!
Vicki
June 30, 2022
I was in tears reading this and my heart goes out to you and your family. My very best friend of 40+ years (now 53) has AN and I dread the day I get that call. Sending you all love.
Claire
June 30, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. As a mom whose daughter went through AN treatment, I can´t imagine how difficult it was for your family to cope with treatment resistant AN. My condolences to your family. Thank you for sharing Maddie´s story and furthering awareness of this devastating disease.
Jennifer Razor
March 24, 2022
The Billings have been family friends for years. It's heartbreaking to hear of such a tragic loss for such an amazing and beautiful young woman. My heart goes out to all the Billings and anyone who was touched by Maddie. Much love, Jennifer
Rob Trundle
March 14, 2022
I am so sorry to hear this. Lots of love to you and your family from me and my family.
Anna
March 5, 2022
I first met Maddie in 2017 in treatment and she helped me through my own sadness and lonliness while battling her struggles. She'd always had so much light. I will always remember her and think of her encouragement that she would give me even after I had left treatment. Her messages to me will always be held dear. I am so sorry for what your family has gone through in losing Maddie. I have stayed strong in my recovery, partially due to her, and will continue to do so in her honor.
Zoe
February 26, 2022
Maddie was simply amazing. I met her in treatment a year ago and I will never forget how king and supportive she was. She was truly wonderful.
Karen Cruz
February 25, 2022
Dear Billings, Maddie Mae was so special. She´ll be remembered for her loving personality. I remember dropping her off at pre-school. I can still see her wearing those ruby red slippers. Nick,Lisa, Emma,Pace and Cooper, you´re blessed to have many family members and friends. We´ll all be here to support you
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Madeleine Billings's name
Memorial Events
for Madeleine Billings
How to support Madeleine's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Madeleine Billings's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
