Andrea Marie Urbon

1946 - 2023

Andrea Marie Urbon died unexpectedly on October 22, 2023, in Madison, Wisconsin. Born on May 6, 1946, to Mary Anna (DeKold) and Ernest Raymond Urbon in Detroit, Michigan, Andrea traversed a life filled with adventure, resilience and laughter.

Andrea was very fond of her early years in Lansing where she lived with her parents and 5 younger siblings. She was a part of a close-knit group in her Everett neighborhood, often serving as the babysitter and caretaker, a trait she embodied her entire life. Andrea graduated from Everett High School in 1964, then earned her Bachelor's of Science in Education with a minor in Russian Literature from Oakland University in 1968. Post-graduation, she embraced the skies as a stewardess, igniting a love of travel that continued throughout her life. While on layover in the Chicago airport in 1970, she met Tom Hodan, who would later become her husband. Tom's unexpected death inspired her to go back to school to become a social worker.

Madison became home for the next five decades. She earned a Master's in Social Work from UW-Madison in 1974. Her compassion shone through in her 33 years as a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology social worker for UW Hospital, offering solace and support to countless families. She was a founding member of Thursday's Child, an organization that makes wishes come true for seriously ill children. She fiercely loved her family and, after both children landed in the Twin Cities, she joined them, even though it meant leaving her large community of friends in Madison. She spent cherished moments in her last year with her children, caring for her grand-doggies, watching Packer games, hosting meals and attending as many of her grandson's baseball games as possible.

Orange, vibrant and radiant like her, was Andrea's favorite color. Often the life of the party, her infectious smile, laughter, generosity, and storytelling brought warmth to any gathering. Passionate about arts & crafts, she loved to host parties with delicious food, impeccable decorations and stunning floral arrangements. Her love for the outdoors also led her on many biking and hiking trails, trips to visit her sister in Alaska, and most recently boating alongside and petting gray whales in Mexico.

She is survived by her loving children, Thomas (Katie) Vandermause and Chelse (Mark) McCabe; grandchildren Calvin and Fritz McCabe; her sister, Elaine; brothers, Carl (Kim), James (Heather), Joel (Beth), and Doug Urbon; many adoring nieces and nephews; her surrogate grandchildren Julian and Fletcher Freis; co-family Denny, Roxi, Joey and Renee Vandermause; and an incredible and devoted community of friends. Her final days, emblematic of her zest for life, were spent driving through the fall foliage with Chelse, finishing intricate Halloween costumes for Julian and Fletcher, and a night entertaining friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 4, 2023 at 10am at Old Sugar Distillery in Madison, WI. Those who knew and loved Andrea are encouraged to come wearing something orange and share memories to honor her beautiful spirit.

Andrea's legacy is a testament to a life fully lived. She embodied devotion and committed herself to the service of others, particularly those who were struggling. In her honor, online donations can be made to Thursday's Child at https://thursdayschildwisconsin.org/ and/or Hodan Community Services at http://www.hodancs.org/ She cared about both organizations deeply. Andrea will be profoundly missed but forever celebrated.