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Madisen Avery Vail

1994 - 2016

Madisen Avery Vail obituary, 1994-2016, Mystic, CT

BORN

1994

DIED

2016

Madisen Vail Obituary

Mystic - Madisen Avery Vail died on Monday, Jan. 25, 2016.

She was born on Aug. 12, 1994. The disease of addiction took her life. Our family would like to be candid about the cause of her death as addiction often comes with embarrassment, and an unfair stigma. Maddie struggled to end her addiction through different recovery programs, but was unable to conquer this horrible disease. It is a true epidemic destroying our families.

Maddie had dreams of travel, art, exploring worldly food and creating a productive life full of joy. Her endless humor will be missed, but always fondly remembered, and greatly cherished. We'll always miss the hilarity of her constant laughter while watching movies or telling stories with her. Maddie was a beautiful, intelligent and sensitive soul. Although dyslexic, Maddie managed to do well in her studies at Stonington High School.

Maddie is the daughter of Don and Sally Vail of Mystic; sister of Ashley (Vail) Reubelt, Morgan, Elena, Nathan and Natalie; she also leaves her brother-in-law, Eric Reubelt; her many aunts, uncles and cousins; her nephews, Jacob, Miles and Julian; and her longtime nanny and friend, Gina Sherman.

Maddie was predeceased by her brother, Owen.

There will be no funeral service, however, if you would like to make a donation in Maddie's name, please give generously to a charity close to our family, The Yale Center For Dyslexia and Creativity, 157 Church St., New Haven, CT 06510-2100 or at: http://dyslexia.yale.edu/donate.html.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jan. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Madisen Vail

Not sure what to say?





Judy Heylmun

January 19, 2024

Miss you Maddie......you always brightened my day..... I think of you often and you still make me smile.❤

Robin Urbani

January 24, 2017

Thinking of you Sally, and your family, and wishing I could turn back time, & you could wake up tomorrow and Maddie and Owen would be here with you. My deepest condolences.
~Robin Urbani

Phil Square

July 16, 2016

My heart goes out to you and your family. We are struggling with the same addition in our family. I pray every night for those with this terrible disease.

March 10, 2016

My heart goes out to you for your loss. What a beautiful young women. I know what you are going through as I lost my son C.J. It is the most devastating event a parent could ever go through. Support groups help tremendously. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

My deepest sympathy,

Robin - (Pawcatuck)

Susan Hecker

February 27, 2016

Sally, Don & Family,
I just heard the tragic news about Maddie. My heart goes out to you. I admire your courage in being so candid about the disease of addiction, which so many of our children suffer from. You are in my prayers. May God bless you all.

Micky Williston

February 19, 2016

Don and Sally and family,

I am stunned and my heart aches for you. As a father, I can't begin to imagine what you're going through, but my thoughts are with you. You certainly made the right decision to be frank about this tragedy.

Maddie and Matte

Kristina Chmielinski

February 13, 2016

February 13, 2016

I have been wanting to write many things to Maddie's family but have not been able to find the words. Our family is so deeply saddened by her passing. Our children were so close. I can't fathom the pain you are experiencing because our hearts hurt so much. Matte and Maddie as we always called the two of them. I will always remember her sweet smile. We are so sorry for your loss. She is a loss to all of us that loved her so much.

Sincerely,

The Chmielinskis

Sam DiFrancesca

February 11, 2016

I'm very sorry to hear about your daughter. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Cathryn Dolan

February 5, 2016

Our deepest condolences to the family.

Jeffrey Becker

February 5, 2016

Many prayers to your family. There are all types of addictions and so many can take the ones we love from us. Strength to those close Madisen and to those who suffer with her. Let her shine and let her loss of life begin to change others in their struggles.

Beverly Morrone

February 2, 2016

Sally, Don and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful and talented daughter and sister. My heart is broken for you. You were so brave to be so candid about Madisen. She will be yours and Don's Angel for ever. Think of all the wonderful memories she brought to your family and friends. She is no longer in pain and is with the lord. God Bless you all.

Lin Malley, Pat Burke, Longen n Mildred Chmura

February 2, 2016

So sorry for your loss of Madisen....We hold you all in our hearts and prayers.

Richard Auber

February 2, 2016

I just learned of this unbelievably tragic loss. You decision to be candid about the cause is exemplary and speaks to your high character. My heart breaks for your family. Maddy will be missed.

February 2, 2016

Dear Sally and Don,
I am numb with you over this horrible loss. I can't even begin to fathom the pain and grief you and your family are suffering. The only condolence I hope you can take from this, is knowing that Maddie is no longer suffering, and she is at peace.
I did not know of her struggle with addiction, and I commend your openness, in the hopes that it helps others.
Such a beauty, such a loss!
Hugs,
Dana Murphy Conradi

February 1, 2016

So sorry for your loss

January 31, 2016

So very sorry for your loss. She is a very beautiful. Young LADY. I did not know her. But know she is in Gods good hands.One day at a time.

January 31, 2016

Dear Vail Family,
My son is also an addict, and has been dealing with this disease for several years. He was born on ... AUGUST 12, 1991,so Maddy's life will continue to live with me for as long as I live.
God bless you, one and all!

Jon F. --- Canton, CT

January 31, 2016

Dear Don and Sally,

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.

Lisa & Bob Butler

Mary Anne Your FedEx Courier

January 31, 2016

I am shocked and saddened to read this story this morning on Facebook. Thank you for the courage in your honesty about your child's death. Addiction seems to creep into too many families lives, including mine. I'm so sorry for your loss and I will keep your family in my prayers. God Bless and may He give you the strength to carry on.

January 30, 2016

My heart goes out to your family. Your daughter is beautiful, I am so sorry for your loss.

January 30, 2016

My heart goes out to you as a mother. Your daughter was beautiful and she lived life with passion. Because she felt so free to laugh at many things, it meant she understood the wonder and joy of life. I'm sorry she was gripped by the awful throws of addiction, you tried, she tried, Your love now has to conquer the pain and sadness and keep her memory light and joyful, let that be her legacy to you her lovely parents....she would want that for you and for her....God bless a understanding stranger touched by your daughters story

Jennifer Brooks

January 30, 2016

Maddie, you are loved and missed. You are always in my heart.

Denise

January 30, 2016

My sincerest condolences for the loss of your daughter. I can't even imagine the grief you all are going through. Sending prayers to all of you. As a parent, I thank you for posting Madisen's story. I will share it with my 13 year olds and 10 year old. Addiction is such a horrible disease. We only can try to continue to educate and support our all of our children against drug use.

Michele Grasser

January 30, 2016

Sally and family : My heart is heavy in learning of the loss of your daughter. I simply cannot fathom the depth of your grief. With my deepest of sympathy, Michele Grasser

Kathy Calnen

January 30, 2016

Our family, as well as many in the Stonington area have been praying for Maddie and your family. We share your grief over the loss of your truly beautiful Maddie...that smile!

Thank you for sharing Maddie's struggle with addiction. Your powerful words have prompted both parents and legislators to take action now.

The McKinley Family sends our love.

Lisa

January 30, 2016

I'm so sorry for your loss but thank you for sharing your daughters story.As a family that has lost a niece to this awful addiction and has several other family members battling heroin now,I'm all to familiar with watching bright,talented,loving young people struggle to overcome their addiction.I will share your daughters story with my family and others in the hope that it makes them stop and think. Thank you again. Lisa

Nancy Gartley

January 30, 2016

Thank you for having the courage and grace to share Madisens's heartbreaking passing.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers,.
With deepest sympathy for your loss,
Nance

Greg and Stacy Zujus

January 30, 2016

Sally, Don and Family

We do not have any words today to express how we grieve for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Elizabeth Devlin-Bailey

January 30, 2016

Although I did not know Madisen personally, I do know addiction and what it can do to a person and their family. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Maddie and I pray for her family and friends that they are comforted from the wonderful memories they have of her when she was not in addiction powerful grip. She is at peace now

Channa Velsen

January 30, 2016

I have never met any of you and I didn't know Maddie either, but I do know the pain of losing someone you love to addiction.

Maddie's obituary was shared by a friend on Facebook and I just wanted to reach out to you and let you know how much I applaud your honesty.

No parent should have to bury their child, let alone two. My heart breaks for you. You're in my thoughts. Sending you love and strength from the other side of the world. Hold on to each other.

Bernadette Graham

January 29, 2016

God bless you for the courage to be so honest. May all the good memories help your hearts to heal. You will all remain in my prayers. ♡

January 29, 2016

MR. AND MRS. VAIL AND FAMILY. PLEASE ACCEPT MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER. I LOST MY 20 YEAR OLD SON TO ADDICTION IN 2009. YOUR NOT ALONE. YOUR STRONGER THAN YOU THINK. BE STRONG AND YOUR DAUGHTER IS NO LONGER SUFFERING WITH THIS TERRIBLE DISEASE SHE IS AT PEACE. IVE BEEN THROUGH THIS WITH MY SON. IF YOU WANT TO TALK MY #860 443 1197. GOD BLESS YOU.

Toni Dahm

January 29, 2016

To Maddie's family and all of her friends.....I send my condolences and many prayers that we all heal from this tremendous loss. Maddie is a beautiful soul. I pray for all of our addicted family members and friends that they can break the bondage of their addiction and be free and live vibrant beautiful happy lives! God Bless every single one of us and Peace to all.. xoxo

Michael

January 29, 2016

Very sorry for your loss my duaghter has struggled with addiction and it is very hard to go through. I will be praying for you.

January 29, 2016

When this community loses another child to this deadly disease, we all lose another child. Addiction does not discriminate. We are one, united. Love, prayers and blessings with the Vail family. My heart is aching for you. Love, Lacy Dunn

Ouzr thoughts and prayers are with Madisen's family .

Elaine Perkins-Gagnier

January 29, 2016

Jennifer Blanco

January 29, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with your family Mrs. Sally and Mr. Don.

Jennifer Blanco

January 29, 2016

My deepest condolences to the family.

Sue and Steve Durham

January 29, 2016

They say we are only as happy as our saddest child. We are so very sorry for your loss of beautiful Maddie. We can't even begin to imagine the pain your hearts must feel. Thank you for being so forthcoming about her struggles. Your honesty will help others by opening eyes to this terrible disease too many are suffering with. The thoughts and prayers of everyone who knew Maddie or her family are with you. Hold on to only the happiest of memories.

January 29, 2016

Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends...

Kimmie

January 29, 2016

Although I did not know Maddie personally, I know addiction and its lethal method of taking our loved ones right before our own eyes. I love the Vail's and wish love and peace for all of them.

January 29, 2016

My deepest condolences to your family at this difficult time.

Kellie (WSC)

Martha Jacques

January 29, 2016

Don - It's been years since I saw you coming in the back door of WSP, but you were always smiling. I didn't know Maddie, but my heart and prayers go to you and your family.

chris Gatti

January 29, 2016

My very best in this most difficult time. May your memories of Maddie burn bright,and give you comfort in the privilege that you were able to know her. All the best,
Chris Gatti

January 29, 2016

I didn't know this beautiful young lady but I do know the horrible disease of addiction first hand. Please know how terribly sorry I am for the loss of Maddie. And your honesty and candid around the circumstances is greatly appreciated. More awareness needs to be a priority to help irradiate this disease of addiction. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

JoAnne Rodriguez

January 29, 2016

I am so sorry for your terrible loss. My thoughts have been with you every day for the past month, and I know it's the same for Tori. I will continue to pray for Maddie and for all of you.

Diane Phelps

January 28, 2016

First off I'd liked to say I'm no relations to the family. Second, I would like to give my condolences to the family.And may your precious daughter rest in peace with our heavenly father., AMEN.

Rhelda Semmelrock Rafferty

January 28, 2016

I am sorry for your loss. Heroin is an evil drug, I see too many trying to break away and I see to many taken by this awful drug. May you find strength in each other.
Rhelda Semmelrock Rafferty

Debbie Gordon

January 28, 2016

I don't know your family but feel your pain. Addiction takes over all our lives, the person using and the family. I loss my brother 5 years ago to the same awful sickness. God Bless you and your familyDebbie Gordon

Christina Martell

January 28, 2016

Although I did not know your beautiful daughter I am extending my deepest condolences and heart felt empathy. I also have a beautiful,wonderful daughter who has struggled with addiction. Their addiction in no way defines them. I am so very sorry for your loss.

tracy odonnell

January 28, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in our prayers. Hugs
Tracy and Patrick O'Donnell

January 28, 2016

Please accept my deepest sympathy, I am so truly sorry for your tremendous loss,

Please know you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

With deepest sympathy,
Barbara anavan

Tina Campbell

January 28, 2016

Mr & Mrs Vail, I do not know your family but I wanted to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family. Maddie looked to be a beautiful, fun loving young lady... I am so sorry for your loss.. I commend you for stating how she passed, as there should be no stigma attached to any type of addiction. Hopefully, kids will realize how dangerous these drugs are and will open the eyes of our community.
Again, my deepest condolences to both of you and your family and may Maddie be at peace.....

Melissa Kwan

January 28, 2016

Sally, Don, and family,
I am crushed that the world has lost your beautiful Maddie. How truly Blessed I was to have known her so well during those high school years. She brought joy, humor, honesty, artistry, and wit to my classroom. We shared laughter, sorrow, love, and many hugs (during which she would tease me about how short I am). A wise teacher always acknowledges what she has learned from her students. Maddie taught me that each moment presents an opportunity to influence a life. My condolences are with you all.
With love and grief,
Melissa Kwan

Liz Hassinger

January 28, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. I don't know your family, but am a friend of a friend. Your Madisen was precious and beautiful, and I know your pain must be unbearable. I wish you comfort and healing.

My neice was lost to the same disease. You may want to check out an incredible national organization, shatterproof.org, which was founded in CT, to help end the stigma and to provide support and information for families like ours.
I know that as time passes, you will be looking for answers, and shatterproof is a place to look for them.
Ending prayers of love and comfort

Gillian Whittle

January 28, 2016

Dear Sally and Family
Just can't believe it you are in my thoughts and prayers.

January 28, 2016

May Maddie's Soul rise in glory, and rest in peace, and may all who mourn, especially Sally and Don, be comforted

Virginia Howlett

January 28, 2016

Dearest Sallie and Don, I am shocked to hear about this terrible loss... My heart goes out to you and the rest of the family. May Maddie find peace and may time lessen the pain you're re-living.... Love and hugs
Virginia (Bill Griffin kids old nanny)

January 28, 2016

Out thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless and comfort you all. The Hertlein Family

Paula Mekkelsen

January 28, 2016

Although I did not know either Madisen or her family, I have friends and clients that do and, distraught, they brought Madisen's obituary to my attention. My heart goes out to Madisen's family and friends. I admire, honor and respect the family's decision to be forthcoming about addiction as being the cause of Madisen's death. Working in the field of mental health and addiction since 1984, I have learned that it is only when we face addiction head-on that there is the opportunity for open discussion, genuine treatment and an open road to recovery. Thank you for facing it head-on and sharing her story. My hope is that others will listen, learn and seek help. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

January 28, 2016

I am in tears being moved by these words. I am sorry for your family's loss. She sounds like a wonderful person. The disease has no bounds. This is more than my family would have given me if I passed. Prayers that you may all find peace at this time and the years to come. An Addict in Recovery, 8 years clean

Trish Viafore

January 28, 2016

My name is Trish Viafore, grandmother to Matthew Chmielinski who was a schoolmate of Maddy's. The entire family sends our prayers to each of you and for Maddy. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

Heather Rhodes

January 28, 2016

Joining you in the deep sorrow of the unfathomable loss of dear Maddie; your precious daughter, sister... I am so fortunate to have had the privilege of knowing this deep river of a young woman and her astounding inner and outer beauty... My heart is with all of you, may you be held in the light of endless love and support. Maddie's bright light is forever in my heart.

Audrey Abdo

January 28, 2016

To Madisens family I am so sorry for your loss. Her struggle has been your struggle,. I hope and pray with time you will begin to heal and I will pray for Madisen and you all. God bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Derrie Proctor

January 28, 2016

May his bless you and your family through this difficult time .

Bonnie Banks

January 28, 2016

Sally and Don,
May wonderful memories of happy times together bring you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Bonnie and Carl

January 28, 2016

To the mom of Madisen: I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Madisen's struggles, she sounds like a beautiful person. It truly Is an epidemic and maybe this will bring awareness to this problem! God bless you and your family!

Sue D

January 28, 2016

Sweet beautiful Maddie. I will never forget your smile and your deep love and concern for others. Every time I drink caramel coffee I will smile and think of you. Rest in peace in the arms of the angels. I send my deepest sympathy to your family and keep you all in my prayers.

Sue D

Laura Kronholm

January 28, 2016

I had the honor to work with Maddie on some photo shoots. She was warm, kind and patient not too mention a beauty. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss.Love,Laura Kronholm

Camilla Ross

January 28, 2016

Don, Sally and family. There are no words but we want you to know that you're all in our prayers. Jack and Camilla Ross

Jim Baker

January 28, 2016

Don, Sally and family you've gone through this once before, the pain of which I can only imagine, to live it again, all I can say is my heart and thoughts are with you all.

January 28, 2016

Praying for you in this extremely difficult time....so sorry for your loss.....

Suzanne Alfiero

January 28, 2016

Please accept my deepest sympathy for madisons passing. She was beautiful. thank you also for showing the courage to let others know how often the addiction battle ends this way. My sons have battled this hideous disease all their lives and now my grandson is getting help so that it doesnt continue into another generation.May she rest in peace.

Heather Rhodes

January 28, 2016

My heart joins you in grieving the unfathomable loss of dear Maddie. I have been honored by the fortune to have been touched so deeply by the inner and outer beauty of your precious daughter. Holding all of you so close to my heart, in the circle of love and comfort...

January 28, 2016

Don, Sally and family. Our deepest sympathy to you for the loss of Maddie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jeff and Michelle Umrysz

Kathleen Dufficy

January 28, 2016

Although I never met your family, I want to express my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beautiful daughter. I lost my son on 11/23/15 and he suffered from addiction for over 10 years. I truly know your pain. I admire you for being candid and I am hoping the stigma attached to this horrendous disease will slowly fade away with education on drug awareness. You will all remain in my prayers in the days ahead.

Christine K.

January 28, 2016

It takes courage to place this obituary. I hope many ears hear your words of grief the disease of addiction causes. She looks beautiful. My son experimented and was fortunate enough to overcome, almost a year now. He's almost out of the legal system as well. I am thankful every day, as I know how easily it could have turned out differently.

I hope God blesses you at this time.

January 28, 2016

Dr. Vail, I am so sorry and saddened to learn of this most recent and staggering loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Best wishes,
Karen Kaplan

Peter Block

January 28, 2016

Dear Don and Sally,

Just heard about Madisen. My heart goes out to you both. It is just too much.

Love, Peter

Dr. Michael Friday

January 28, 2016

Don and Sally and siblings, please accept deepest condolences and empathy from the folks at Union Baptist Church, Mystic, where I currently serve as Interim Pastor, and where you are warmly remembered. Dig deep, hang tight. May the One Who knows all things multiply back to you, several times over, the courage you've displayed in your openness; and may that courage sustain you things for these and the heavy days ahead.

Cynthia Douglass

January 28, 2016

I don't know the Vail family or Madisen, but I had to send a note. I commend you for being so honest about your beloved daughter's addiction and how she passed. There is absolutely nothing shameful about addiction and you have nothing to be embarrassed about. This is a disease no different than diabetes, cancer or depression. She did not cause this. As much as you loved Madisen, you could not control this addiction, or change it for her. I pray your memories will help you through this time of grief. Warm hugs.

Richard Allen

January 28, 2016

Im so sorry for your loss of a beautiful girl may she soar with the angels! I worked at noahs with her

Guy Hermann

January 28, 2016

So, so sorry to hear about your loss. I can only imagine your pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

AlDarena

January 28, 2016

My love and respect go out to Madisen's family. We will continue the message of hope and love, in her name

January 28, 2016

I do not know you , nor your family. However my sympathys to your family with many many prayers.

January 28, 2016

I understand and keep
you in my prayers.
Marvin

Camille Burlingham

January 28, 2016

Don and Sally, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have such fond memories of our daughters playing together in the early years at Pine Point.
Love to all,
Nick and Camille Burlingham

January 28, 2016

First, I would like to express my deepest condolences for your devastating loss of your wonderful daughter. I have a 21 year old daughter as well, and can't imagine the depth of it.
I would also like to applaud you, in your hours of sorrow that you are bold and strong enough to acknowledge that addiction is a disease, and share that publicly, that takes courage. There is a lot of stigma that goes along with addiction, due to misunderstanding. So many children are passing away due to this, as well as many others.
What we need to do as a community is be a non judgemental helpline, maybe more people would reach out. It does seem however your girl reached out.
I work at a rehab center and see this on a daily basis, these
are good people who have bad addictions, we don't judge them, we try to help them. Some are as young as 19, or as old as 70.
No words anyone can say will lessen your pain. I look at the picture and see a beautiful smile and twinkling eyes.
Peace be with you and yours.
Gayle

Michelle Gemma

January 28, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Vail family. We all miss Maddie and Owen, and our only consolation is that they are now together. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
With love-

Benjamin Hall

January 28, 2016

I am praying for you all. Thank you for being honest about the monster that took your daughters life. - methadone clinic counselor

Van Brown

January 28, 2016

Dear Sally and Don, there are no words. I am so sorry. Sorry does not begin to convey my feelings for you and your family. What a terrible loss. Madisen, you and yours will be in our prayers and our hearts. With great sadness, Van Brown and Beth Tillman

Joan Durant

January 28, 2016

Dear Sally and family,
I am so saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you .

January 28, 2016

Our deepest condolences to the Vail family. A beautiful light gone too soon. I applaud your candid message about the terrible disease of addiction. It takes far too many innocents and we don't talk nearly enough about the solution. I hope your wonderful memories of Maddie give you some comfort. -The Meagher Family

Katherine

January 28, 2016

I am so sorry to the Vail family for the loss of such a beautiful soul. I am in tears for all of you.

sue carver

January 28, 2016

Dear Sally,My heart breaks for all of you. I do know that it is most likely that you are all walking around in a daze, just existing. The only thing I can say is just breath Sally, just breath. One breath, one day, one eternity at a time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and may your beautiful children rest in peace.
Sincerely, Sue, Mike, Carolyn, and Justin
Carver

Megan Zummo

January 28, 2016

Oh Maddie! I just cannot believe I'll never see your face again...It has already been so long, I have loved you and missed you all this time you've been struggling. I wish, as I'm sure all those who love you do, that there was something I could have done to help you. I will continue to hold our memories all that much closer to my heart. I hope your pain and hurting has stopped, and that your soul feels the love of all those who are thinking of you and will miss you forever. Rest in peace, sweet Maddie.

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