Madelaine “Maddy” Gold–devoted wife, loving daughter, kickass sister, beloved aunt, amazing friend, dedicated teacher and mentor–died suddenly at 4am November 12, 2022. Her loss leaves those who loved her–which was everyone who knew her–devastated and bereft.
On May 9, Maddy was diagnosed with a rare and extremely aggressive stage 4 metastatic cancer. She was told without immediate intervention she would be dead in two weeks or less. We were blessed to have her with us for another six months, but it was not without cost. She endured 22 surgeries and procedures and months of debilitating chemotherapy and radiation.
To say Maddy was brave is an understatement. She was a warrior. She loved life, she loved her wife, brother, friends, family. She was dedicated to giving us the gift of more time with her and was willing to endure a lot to that end. She told her wife Victoria all the time, “I am doing this for us, so we can have more time together, so we can get past this and go back to living our lives like we want to.” She hated the medicalization of her life as a cancer patient and she fought against it by living as “normally” as she knew how.
But that time, that precious extra time that her spectacular and innovative oncologic team gave her, Dr. Daniel Lin, Dr. Richard Goldman, Dr. Steven Manobianco, and Dr. Daniel Peterson, was not enough for those of us who loved her. Those last six months of her life should not define her, though. While they highlighted how much she loved those closest to her and the courage she tapped into, those months were just a small part of who she was.
What defined Maddy was all the time before her sudden illness and all she was and accomplished. Maddy was a force of nature. Passionate, hilariously funny, loving, smart, talented, knowledgeable, insightful. There are so many adjectives that described her. She loved politics and music, art and film, animals and people. Oh how she loved people. Maddy was that person who strikes up a conversation with you everywhere from a street corner to the supermarket. She loved interacting with strangers and always had unique stories to tell about her experiences doing that.
As Maddy was going through treatment, she was still always making jokes. Even after the cancer took her literal voice, she could still write out a witty bon mot on a white board. (One night, after a complication that sent her to the ER, she was asked what precipitated it: “Victoria insisting we watch Jeopardy! AND back-to-back episodes of Shark Tank!”)
Her comedic timing was superb, delivered most bitingly even at the end of her life to the current political climate about which she had much to say daily. Many nights as she and Victoria watched the news, she would write down a sharp and spot-on comment. One of her last actions, that she was determined to do, was to vote, something she had always done in person because she loved going to the polls and she loved talking to strangers. Maddy was always striking up conversations with strangers and then relaying the details to Victoria and her friends. Maddy told Victoria, “Get me a ballot! I am not missing this election just because I can’t go to the polls.” She voted proudly to send John Fetterman to the Senate to “beat those traitorous insurrectionists.” Her politics were a defining part of who she was and how fiercely she championed the things she valued: education for all, healthcare for all, lifting people out of poverty, reproductive, LGBTQ and immigrants rights, racial justice, climate science, animal welfare.
Maddy was an artist and an art teacher, professor and mentor. She followed her parents, her father, Albert Gold, a well-known painter and one of only twelve combat artists assigned to document World War II, and her mother, Aurora Gold, a well-known landscape painter, into the field. It was from them that she launched her painting career as early as five, according to her mother. Aurora spent time with her developing techniques early in her life and by her teen years Maddy was teaching at a local art camp as a counselor. From her father she developed her skills as a raconteur, which along with the added artistic skills, made her an unforgettable teacher and presence.
Although Maddy had won numerous accolades as a painter and exhibited her work in many galleries and shows, she always wanted to be known not for her art, but for her teaching. She loved teaching, which she did from her years in graduate school at Pratt Institute until just months before her death: 44 years of teaching hundreds of students. She spent 17 years teaching high school while also teaching college courses at night, and then after she left high-school teaching, taught art full-time at three of the top universities in Philadelphia: University of the Arts, Philadelphia University and Drexel University. She was teaching at Drexel for the last 12 years of her life, right up until February of this year.
Maddy brought out the absolute best in her students–art that was innovative and unique. Student art shows were always highlighted by the remarkable work she elicited from her students. A colleague once complained to the department chair that Maddy gave her students too much homework and it cut into the colleague’s time. Maddy said that the path to getting students to do art they would always cherish and be proud of took time.
Maddy’s students loved her. Not only did she teach them that they could do work they didn’t think themselves capable of, like mastering the ruling pen and creating fanciful tessellations, she peppered her classes in drawing and design with pure Maddy–tales from her life, critiques of politics, interpolations of film and literature. And humor–lots and lots of humor. Her classes were always popular.
Victoria says that wherever they went together in the city, they were always running into a current or past student of Maddy’s, always jubilant to see her. Like her father, Albert, who loved that Maddy taught at the same college he had and with the same devotion to the craft as he had, teaching was her legacy, as it had been her father’s and for which he was immeasurably proud of her. Between the two of them, they taught at the University of the Arts (previously the Philadelphia College of Art) for 70 years.
Victoria details how one Christmas Eve, after midnight Mass at St. Mark’s church, she and Maddy walked to Rittenhouse Square. It was snowing lightly and they went and sat on a bench in the square and watched the snow fall over the beautiful park. In the midst of the muffled quiet, at 1am on Christmas Eve, came a classic call: “Ms. Gold! Maddy Gold!” Two students of hers were walking through the park and had to say hello. Bob said that this echoed the chants of “Mr. Gold! Mr. Gold!” that he and Maddy heard often when they were out with their father.
Maddy’s dedication to her students was legendary, but she was also an accomplished artist, having been awarded a Ford Foundation grant for her painting and several one-woman shows, including at the Art Alliance and the ICA. In the final year of her life she made some innovative new work that she was excited about, in which she made tiny, intricate painted pieces that she cut out and placed on board to create movement. At the time of her death she was working on a final painting for her wife, Victoria. In the last week of her life she said she needed to get stronger so she could complete it.
Maddy’s relationships with her friends and family are one of her greatest legacies. She and Victoria met in high school and were in a relationship then. Victoria says that when she first came to the family home in Mt. Airy as a 14 year old, Albert, who was always sitting in the living room, reading, asked her, “So what exactly are your intentions toward my daughter?” He knew that this was an important relationship for his daughter and he remained supportive of Maddy and Victoria till the end of his life.
Maddy and Victoria reconnected at a crossroads in both their lives and just celebrated their 23rd anniversary October 6. Maddy said that Victoria was the love of her life and she “finally got the girl” she first fell in love with on the 26 bus going to Girl’s High. They were devoted to each other, Maddy caring for Victoria through a catastrophic illness that left her with partial paralysis and Victoria to Maddy throughout her illness.
Maddy loved Victoria, her friends, her family and her cats with her whole, big, generous heart. She was a fabulous cook and loved giving dinner parties. She spoke often of her Italian immigrant grandmother and learning to cook with her. It was from both sets of her immigrant grandparents, her mother’s parents from Italy, her father’s from the Russian bloc. Maddy said their experiences formed part of her passion for immigrants rights and stoked her outrage at the treatment of immigrants by the Republican party in recent years.
Over the years Maddy and Victoria entertained with small and large dinner parties for friends and family. Holiday meals were always festive and full of love, as well as her fabulous cooking. Until the last weeks of her life, Maddy was still making small dinners for her bestie, Judith Redding, with whom she had shared dinners throughout the pandemic shutdown. No one, Judith said, made a pork chop like Maddy. They joked about opening “Maddy’s Meat Emporium.”
Maddy said that the time she spent with her brother Bob during her months of chemo treatment, to which Bob took her and stayed with her through the many hours of infusions, were a chance for them to reconnect on a deeper level as well as revisit their shared childhoods. It was, she told Victoria, the only up side to those grueling treatments.
Maddy also loved music. When she and Victoria were teenagers, Maddy was going to the jazz clubs in West Philly, sometimes with Victoria, sometimes alone. She had a sophisticated musical palate from a very young age, making friends with older Black musicians as a teenager. She and Bob, a composer and pianist, bonded over that love of music. Throughout her illness, Bob would send her videos he played for her on the piano. In the car rides to and from chemo, he would play music to soothe her.
Maddy was an inveterate reader and she was also always looking for scoops for Victoria as she trolled the internet reading news. It was a running joke between them that Maddy was Victoria’s “cub reporter.”
In her final week of life, Maddy and Victoria bonded over music and film, watching films Maddy had wanted Victoria to see. Just days before her death, they watched a Lyle Lovett concert on Austin City Limits that was very moving and poignant. Afterward, Maddy texted Victoria, a text that so epitomized her thinking and how she connected things.
Maddy wrote, “You are my sweetheart. Concert was perfect for us. Too bad the rest of Texas is not more like Austin. Same as too bad the rest of Pennsylvania is not more like Philly. Love sharing your love always. Kisses.”
One of the worst assaults of Maddy’s cancer was that it took her voice. Speaking was almost impossible and when she did speak, often difficult to understand. But she texted, wrote on a white board and in pieces of paper and was always talking, one way or another. She never lost her voice for herself or for others. It remained her strength to the end.
The lesbian poet Audre Lorde, who herself died of metastatic cancer, wrote in “A Litany for Survival,” of those of us in historically marginalized communities as Maddy and Victoria were:
“when we are loved we are afraid love will vanish
when we are alone we are afraid love will never return and
when we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed
but when we are silent we are still afraid
So it is better to speak remembering we were never meant to survive.”
Maddy was outspoken throughout her life. She was never afraid to say what was necessary. She fought back against an archdiocese when she taught in Catholic school, she fought back against homophobia leveled against her, Victoria and students. She always made her politics known and never backed down from a fight. She was a warrior till her literal last breath.
Maddy is survived by her adoring wife, Victoria Brownworth, and her beloved brother, Robert Gold. She is also survived by her family: her mother, Aurora Gold, her sisters-in-law Zia Gajary and Jennie Goldenberg, her nieces Shifra, Tirzah, Willow and Zoe, her nephews Jake, Josh, Lev and Theo and by her cousins, Annette, Janice, Michael, Rita and Robert.
Maddy is survived by her closest friends, Judith Redding, Roberta Hacker, Martha Peech and Tess Eichenberger who were devoted to her throughout her illness and who spent months coming to the house taking care of her, Victoria and their cats. Maddy always said that she and Victoria could not have survived without them and that we were blessed to have them in our lives.
A memorial service celebrating Maddy’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maddy’s name are requested to MANNA Philadelphia, which provided meals to her throughout her illness, Planned Parenthood Philadelphia because she believed deeply in reproductive freedom, The Trevor Project, because she had so many queer and trans students over the years who had been made suicidal by a homophobic and transphobic society and the ASPCA, because she had, with Victoria, spent decades rescuing cats in Philadelphia.
May Maddy rest in peace and surcease of pain. May she rest in power for her years fighting injustice. And may her memory be a blessing to all who loved her. Amen.
May God hold you in his arms and may your loving wife find healing through the love you gave her and the many who are there for her through this sad time.
Victoria, thank you for giving me the opportunity to better know Maddy through your wonderful words. What a remarkable woman and what a remarkable love you share. Your love is forever. Know that and let it fill your soul. Through that love, Maddy is always with you.
Beautifully spoken.”
Dearest Victoria,
After reading this tribute to magnificent Maddy I feel like I’ve always known her. I share your grief at losing your wonderful wife. What a special legacy she’s left!
Rest In Peace, Maddy. Victoria loved you so so much.
Our hearts break with her loss. The most infectious laugh…brilliant wit…wonderful teacher and artist. Extraordinary human being. We were lucky to have her along this earthly journey. We hold you in our hearts as well Victoria …
“We give her back to you, dear Lord, Who gave her to us. Yet as You did not lose her in giving, so we do not lose her by her return.” – Quaker prayer
Beautifully captured the life of a beautiful person. Maddy was a blessing to all who met her. May her memories ease your pain. Rest in Power Maddy
My heart breaks to hear this. To simply say Miss Gold was my favorite teacher is an understatement. I graduated from St Joseph’s High School in 1992. Miss Gold was a teacher who made a lasting impression on me as a student and future educator. It was Miss Gold who showed me to love art, literature and life itself. It was she who inspired me to pursue the field of education. As a 26 year veteran in the field, I always look back to my time as a student in her class. I have tried through the years to give my students what she gave me. Her memory and inspiration will forever be etched in my heart.
Beloved Victoria and entire family, I did not know you personally and how I wish I did. Mandy sounds like she enjoyed all the loves in my life (music, film, people, and my wife). While I am so sorry for your pain, I rejoice in the beauty she represented in your lives. Victoria, I follow you on Twitter and adore you and your very thought provoking and stimulating tweets. I cannot imagine this type of loss in my life. My wife is my world inside this world. I haven’t had her nearly as long as you and Mandy shared this life, so I pray that you can continue to find her in the film, music, and art. That’s how I reconnect with my mom and daughter. You and your entire family are in my prayers. God Bless
Victoria, you wrote one of the most loving and moving tributes to a loved one that I have ever read. To echo so many, I too, fell in love with you and Maddy over Twitter. I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. I thank you for sharing The Wife with us. Your candid and passionate posts gave us the gift of getting to know her without having met her. May her light and love carry you as you reshape your world and future. Your twitter family is here to offer support and comfort along the way!
Beautifully capturing the vibrant life and loves of an incredibly inspiring person – through the heartache may the memories persevere.
Dear Maddy, rest well.
#TillWeMeetAgain a #lovestory we won’t forget! We feel ur pain n sorrow 😢
I sure wish I would have been blessed enough to have met Maddie. What an incredible life she lived. Fly free Maddie!! You created a beautiful life and space for those around you and I know you will be deeply missed
Chris. A Twitter fan/friend
This is just so very heartbreaking. I wish I could do something to ease your pain. I am so very sad for you. My condolences to you, her family and your friends..
How blest you both were in your love. Maddy sounds utterly amazing and irreplaceable. May your memories bring you comfort. May the Angels take her home and lead her into Paradise.
May God Bless the entire family/friends and especially Victoria during this very difficult time!
So sorry to hear about this loss!
What an amazing person I felt like I had already known thru Victoria. We should all embrace life life Maddy. Rest well dear.
How blest you both were in your love. Maddy sounds utterly amazing and irreplaceable. May your memories bring you comfort. May the Angels take her home and
What a lovely tribute. I knew Maddy only through her wife, and Victoria only through Twitter. Both such courageous women, the world is better because of them and their partnership. So sorry for this great loss to all of Maddy’s loved ones
I love you Maddie and we never met. You were a good one. The world was better because you were in it and the ones you left carry on the work and joy that obviously made you so special.
Peace to both Maddy and Victoria, who shared a deep and inspiring love.
WOW, what a beautiful and amazing full life lived. I’m sorry for your loss, because Maddie’s story is so amazingly inspiring. GOD’S BLESSINGS
Though I never knew Maddy Gold personally, I know of her because of her wife Victoria’s incredible work as a journalist. Their story is so romantic and their love will always be a source of inspiration. I am saddened by the loss of her light and send my sincere condolences to Victoria and all of Maddy’s family and friends.
May the memories wrap your hearts in warmth. I’m so sorry for your pain.
What a gift she was to her wife, loved ones, friends and the entire world. The world is a little darker but the heavens are much brighter. My sincere condolences to Victoria and all who knew her.
Beautiful description of an amazing woman
Thanks to Victoria for giving us a glimpse into the life of her amazing wife.
For a time, I rest in the grace of the world and am free.
—WENDELL BERRY
I’m so sorry Maddie has passed. May her memory be a blessing. I would have loved to have known this woman. My heart goes out to all who knew her, especially Victoria and Bob.
💔
May her soul rest in peace and the God give you the strength to bear the loss.
Take care of yourself Victoria.
A life well lived! I’m sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing
I know so much more now about the woman who I have “known” for a few years, lovingly, only as The Wife. Yet, somehow that moniker, as used by her beloved, conveyed all of that life in just those two words. May God bless her beautiful soul for eternity.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet wife, Victoria. Maddy sounds like she was an amazing woman.
May her memory live on through all who loved her.
Maddy💜💙💚💛🧡❤️💜💗
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your remarkable Maddy. How fortunate to have been in her life and experience her love. Her light will never be diminished and her legacy is eternal. May all who loved Maddy find peace and solace.
Such a beautiful memorial for a beautiful person. Thank you for taking such good care of her.
What more can be said about an amazing person, except she is gone way too soon. The world could use so many more Maddy’s. We are made of energy and energy never dies, never dissipates. May you find peace in her passing and strength for the days to come.
I felt like I knew Maddy through Victoria’s posts. What an amazing woman who leaves an incredible legacy. Prayers to everyone who’s life she touched.
I came to love Maddy through her wife, Victoria, on Twitter. I rejoiced when she was doing well and cried when she was not. May she rest in pain-free peace. Sending love ad strength to Victoria, Bob and the rest of Maddy’s extended family.
Victoria, I found you on Twitter before the pandemic and have followed you since. The love you have for Maddy shined through so often in your writing. You are special to your readers, Maddy is special to you, so Maddy is special to all of us. We cried when you shared the problems Maddy was having and throughout the diagnosis and treatment. We felt your pain and frustration. But we also fly you love for your wife. Thank you for sharing Maddy with us all. Love to you, Maddy, and your entire family.❤️
Wow! What a remarkable person. I too got to know Maddy by following you on Twitter. This tribute tells a much deeper story of a wonderful human being. Everyone who met her was blessed. Thank you for sharing Victoria.
I knew Maddy through Victoria’s writings on twitter. I have followed her illness and am crushed she is gone. The world needs Maddy’s. She led a beautiful life of service love and the arts and I can think of no better way to live. I offer my sincere condolences to Victoria and Maddy’s loved ones who will feel her loss so keenly.
This beautiful tribute included all those who were fortunate to share her sunlight. I knew her only through Victoria’s journey, but was touched by both the moments of joy and the challenges they faced. I hope precious memories of her continue to provide strength to all in her circle of love.
I never met Maddy, but I was a daily witness to the love and devotion Victoria felt for her. She sounds like a true force of nature and a soul to be deeply missed. I am sending much love and light into the universe for Victoria, Maddy and all who love them both.
I only knew Ms. Gold thru her wife’s Twitter posts. Victoria’s profound love for her was obvious. My wife is also going thru health problems that will most likely take her from me much earlier than planned, so I related to these posts and was very saddened to learn of Maddy’s passing. Bless both of you and your families. With love, from Boston, MA. (@BariKris)
My deepest sympathies. Although I did not know her, she seemed like a great person, teacher and mentor. May her memories live on in memory of her family & friends & the students she taught.
Victoria, I am so sorry for you losing not only a life partner but what it seems, reading Maddy’s obituary, an extraordinary person in all levels.
I only know you through Twitter and I was really hoping for a different outcome for Maddy, The Wife, as I knew her.
I wish you all the best and all the strength that you need to go in your new path!
You were all very lucky to share your lives with Maddy 💜🫂
What a beautiful celebration of a life well-lived and well-loved. Although I only “knew” Maddy through Victoria online, I felt her presence often. This is a heartbreaking moment for all who loved her, I know, but we are all better for having learned how much Maddy accomplished not only for herself, but for some many others throughout her life. What a powerful spirit – one whose loss we mourn, and whose life we celebrate.
Sending condolences and love to all Maddy’s family and to Victoria who has always shared her profound love of Maddy with all of us
Thank you so much for this, for sharing your beloved with all of us. I am so grateful to know you and through you, Maddy, just as much as Twitter allows. I look for you each day and have prayed through this ordeal for a different outcome. But God works in mysterious ways and your words help me to know that we are all just as they say, walking each other home. Perfect words from Audre Lorde, “we are never meant to survive.” And yes/yet, if only all of us could/would live as Maddy and you have loved/lived. thank you sweet friend for sharing your self and your beloved. I am forever grateful.
I have only met Victoria on Twitter, though I am a Philadelphia burb neighbor. In so many post she lovingly referred to “The Wife”. I didn’t know “The Wife’” name only that she was deeply loved.
I then read that “The Wife” was diagnosed with Cancer.
As I read this heartbreakingly beautiful obituary of Maddy Gold, I feel that I got to meet for a brief moment the incredible, talented and generous human that was “The Wife”. My heart goes out to all of you at this time. May she rest well free from suffering and pain. May her love and art transcend all.
I am no one in the scheme of things. I did not know Maddy nor did I know Victoria personally. I was simply a person on Twitter who appreciated Victoria’s insight and intelligence during a very tumultuous time in American politics. Like so many others I considered Victoria to be a “Twitter friend”, even though I was just one person in the sea of many. When she began posting about Maddy’s health challenges it made me think about my sister who has been battling multiple myeloma for over seven years. I followed their journey with hope for a positive outcome, while knowing through my sister’s battle, that cancer is a relentless beast. With so much uncertainty in world, it always made me feel just a little bit better to know that my Twitter friends had loved ones that supported them and loved them. The love between Maddy and Victoria was evident. Victoria has been a light to so many and Maddy was her light. I am heartbroken for her loss and hope that she will find peace.
I am so very sorry for all of your family’s loss. Mandy sounds like the most amazing person and I hope the many great memories will carry you forward with love and light.
This is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing person. I only knew Maddy via Victoria’s Twitter feed but I’ve followed her journey and was so hoping she could recover. Thinking of both of you and you have my deepest sympathy.
I am a follower of Maddy’s wife Victoria on Twitter. I, like so many others followed their journey of dealing with Maddy’s illness on Twitter. For not knowing either Victoria or Maddy personally I can say that I always in awe of both of them for the love that they had for one another and how incredibly strong and brave they both have been through it all.
The world was blessed to have had Maddy here and for her to have shared herself and so many of her wonderful gifts and her love of life.
My deepest condolences to Victoria and all of Maddy’s family and friends. I will be keeping all in my thoughts and prayers.
Maddy was an exceptional teacher and mentor. Her willingness to open her heart and home to her students meant so much to me. She helped me navigate college but also showed me how someone makes their own way in the world – carving out their path to adulthood. She was smart, funny, one of a kind. I am thoroughly grateful to have known her.
Oh Victoria, I’ve known you and until now “The Wife” through your twitter posts. What a full and thoughtful obituary. You are so lucky to have had Maddy, a truly inspirational woman, as I’m sure she was lucky to have you. I hope that while you’ve lost Maddy, you don’t lose heart or strength. The world is a much better place with you in it.
Love from a fan from downunder
Dear all who knew and loved Maddy,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your precious Maddy. May she rest well.
I learned about Maddy’s existence through Victoria’s communication on Twitter as “The Wife”.
Reading this obit has increased my deep admiration for the person Maddy was and how she lived her life and cared for so many people (and animals).
What a gift Maddy has been to those who knew and loved her! What a gift to those of us who never met her but for whom she fought so that our lives could be and are better!
Maddy was here, she lived, loved, gave and was given, and increased the opportunities and improved lives of so many people.
Maddy made a huge difference to those she knew and those of us she never met.
May she rest in power.
As I was new to Twitter, I found this beautiful journalist that I shared her views.
Victoria then introduced her wife as “The Wife” with a beautiful tweet about her. The dinners with friends, the meals Mandy made specifically for Victoria. The fun they had together. It was such a beautiful marriage of love and comfort.
I am so glad I found Victoria because I found beautiful people in Victoria and Maddy.
I am so sad for this horrible loss for my friend Victoria.
The loss is gutting! I feel such love for them both.
May God, surround Maddy with your arms around her.
Watch over the love of her life Victoria. The pain for her is much to bare.
Thank you Victoria for this beautiful sketch of your life together.
Much love to you and Maddy
Maddy and Victoria’s remarkable journey through life and love has been and will continue to be an inspiration. If you ask Alexa: “How do you live a full, important, and beautiful life?,” Alexa will respond: “Take a look at the obituary Victoria wrote for her beloved “Maddy.”
May her memory be a blessing. I wish I had the chance to know her but via Victoria’s tweets I feel a bit as if I do. My heart goes out to Victoria and her family and friends.
What a loving fitting tribute to a beautiful human. Thank you for sharing Maddy with all of us, Victoria. I’m sending all her love ones love, support and hugs. A blessing to have witnessed this great life and love.
My deepest condolences to Victoria, and Maddy’s family and friends in the loss of such an extraordinary woman. I “met” Maddy through Victoria on twitter and prayed that Maddy would be able to be with you for years to come. Maddy gave much during her lifetime in love and care for others. May that be remembered and returned to the world in her spirit. My heart is with all of you who loved Maddy as much as she loved you. Rest well, Maddy.
What an incredible woman, incredible life. May she rest in power always. Deepest condolences.
No one has ever had a more thoughtfully written memorial. Brings tears to my eyes. Matty was what this country needed. There are passings that make me sad that I never met the person. Such a loss I must now live without. How lucky for those who met her, learned from her, worked with her, and most of all, loved her. Gone far too soon, but she left her mark, her legacy. My sympathies
What a beautiful tribute to Maddy. She certainly accomplished many wonderful things while here with us all.
My heart goes out to all of her friends and family. To all who knew Maddy you have my deepest sincere condolences on your tremendous loss.
It was so beautiful getting to know Maddy through your posts. As a girls high graduate and Philly girl I wish I had known her. She was clearly extraordinary.
Mandy was even a more beautiful person than what I knew through Victoria. It has always been clear though, how much they loved each other. This lovely writing makes me weep, and I’m sending love and peace to her family and friends, and especially to Victoria. 💙
Dearest Maddy, we never met but I feel as if I know you. I have followed your valiant battle on twitter for months now as your loving wife Victoria had shared your journey with us. What an accomplished and wonderful life you lived, leaving us tok soon. We will keep Victoria close. God speed. 🙏❤
Although I never knew Maddie, and, in fact, have never met Victoria, I knew The Wife would be this fabulous! I’m thinking about you, Victoria, and about the depth of your sadness. May her memory be a blessing.
I wrote this obit to try and show the world what a remarkable and extraordinary person Maddy was and how deep and long and lasting our love for each other was over decades. I shall never stop loving her nor missing her. We were supposed to grow old together. We were supposed to have so much more time. Cancer is brutal. My darling wife was my whole heart. I am grateful that Maddy is no longer suffering, no longer in pain. But the pain of losing her is incalculable.
Thru Victoria’s accounts of The Wife on twitter and the joshing Maddy gave Victoria about those of us among her followers who enjoyed Burl Ives, I saw a touch of Maddy’s humor and respect for her. As a fellow native Philadelphian I enjoyed the accounts of present day Phila as experienced by this loving couple. Knowing we share the commonality of Italian immigrant grandparents and the heritage of Italian food brings her remarkable life into a closer view. Her life and long love with Victoria, their shared contributions to the world of teaching, art, journalism, politics and social change made a difference in so many lives. Salud. 💙🫂
I didn’t know Maddy, but through your loving tribute I was able to celebrate with what a remarkable woman, friend, sister, teacher and love she was. I grew up in a household where my grandmother fought metastasized breast cancer several times so I know how tough these last six months were, but agree that this special Lady shouldn’t be remembered for her illness but for the millions of ways she made life wonderful and better, for she touched and changed lives of others. My thoughts and prayers are with those who knew, loved and lost this bright soul.
I knew Maddy only as “The Wife” on Twitter, but her and Victoria’s struggles have resonated with me. I am so glad that Maddy had such a deep field of support. My deepest condolences to all of Maddy’s ohana and friends.
Victoria has shared your journey! May you be at peace Maddy. Victoria May you find peace in the coming days and thereafter knowing you had a partner who lived life.
Together you both shared joy, happiness and a deep love.
Hugs. Your Twitter friend SFFMT
Aka Deby Lackas. 🙏🏻🤗Deby
Maddy, you were/are so loved by many! I did not know you but felt like I did from reading about you on Victoria’s Twitter. Many Twitter strangers, myself included, held you in love and light as you faced your final days here. We will continue to do so for Victoria. The love you shared with each other is forever.
Maddy sounds so amazing. What a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing this story of her life. May she rest in power.
A legacy worth reading. My condolences to you, Victoria. Thank you for sharing Maddy with the world; she was a jewel, not hidden but shared her treasures with others. May her spirit soar on and on!
@onthelookout41 Twitter
Thank you, Victoria, for letting us know about “the wife.” What a wonderful woman, I’m gobsmacked, though I shouldn’t be.
Blessings
What a force of nature she was. A beautiful tribute. I don’t know you, Victoria, but sending you love.
I “knew” Maddy only through Victoria… And just from the light she brought to my friend’s life, I know that she was an extraordinary human being. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Maddy sounds like a beautiful soul. Sending love to Victoria and all her friends and family.
A beautiful tribute and a wonderful love story
This is a beautiful obituary about a beautiful woman. I didn’t know Maddy, but I now know at least a little bit about her. My condolences to everyone who knew and loved her. She went way too young.
I am heartbroken to hear of The Wife’s passing. For some reason I thought she would beat this horrible disease. What a huge loss for Victoria, Maddy’s wonderful family and the many friends she had. Her obituary was beautiful. I did not know her except through Victoria on social media. Thank you for sharing her and the updates. We’ve all fallen in love with you both. May she be free now and carry with her forever the love that surrounds her.
Susan Carlisle (former Houstonian now Mississippi)
When my wife and I lost our 14 year old nephew to leukemia 6 years ago, the outpouring of love and support could not be measured. There was a quote from Dr. Seuss that gave us comfort then and now. “Don’t be sad it is over; smile because it happened.”
Continue to fight for all of the causes she cherished to help her legacy continue. While we have never met, I will continue to stand up for the underrepresented and those that need support.
Learning of Maddy through your online words of hope, love, pain, sorrow, joy, and so many small important intimate moments shared was such a wonderful way to learn about someone who meant so much to so many.
I grieve with you for your heartbreaking loss and wish you healing, calm, memory, and peace as you journey through this phase. Your journey will not be alone nor will it be lonely. It will be for a lifetime though since all your steps will be accompanied by the energy of love, the surety of hope, and the forwardness of seeing love and Maddy at the end of your journey.
Mourning and grief will fill your time – as they should – and just around the corner embrace remembrance and healing as your soul settles into that space reserved for loved ones who went before us.
Sincere condolences to you, Victoria. And to Maddy’s and your family and large community of friends and loved ones.
Victoria, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I’d known your Maddy, but I thank you for sharing her with us. Sending love and hugs to you and your in-laws.
RIP Maddy
This is by far the most touching obituary i have ever read. Although I was not lucky enough to have known your precious wife, I feel like I have met her through your words. She was clearly a unique and special person and I am sure her death is a blow to those who loved her. May your memories help to ease the pain of your loss. In the words of Winnie the Pooh: “Hoe lucky I am to have something that makes saying goidbye so hard.”
My beautiful friend, Victoria, like Maddy’s life and love for you, her painting remains unfinished. You see, infinity has no end. It is eternal. It represents your shared lives & love. May that light from your shared love, heal your pain and bring you warmth, joy, comfort & peace. I saw my white butterfly again today. She only visits when a soul transitions to a spiritual plane. I am sure Maddy is at peace and I know she will bless you with peace to help you move through tomorrow. I send you my love & caring.
So very sorry to hear of Maddy’s passing. Thank you, Victoria, for allowing us to get to know her, and you, via social media. May she rest in peace, and may you find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Rest in Power. This movingly loving obituary matched everything Victoria told her Twitter community. Gone too soon, never forgotten 💔
Crying reading this. Thank you Victoria for sharing your struggles and issues with us on Twitter. Your story of Maddy really brought to life what a wonderful woman and wife she was. Maddy’s list of political values: education for all, healthcare for all, lifting people out of poverty, reproductive, LGBTQ and immigrants rights, racial justice, climate science, animal welfare; wow, that’s my list also! Virtual hugs to you Victoria. I hope our lives cross at some point in the future, perhaps on a bench in the square.
Jack, @stansburyj
What a fabulous tribute. I did not know her and I only am Twitter friends with you but… Wow! Such a devastating loss but how lucky were you to have shared so much loving time with her.
What a legacy to have had. Thank you for sharing her with us through your words. My deepest sympathies! Sending all the strength you can muster to get you through the days ahead.
Victoria,
I am so, so sorry for the loss of your beloved Maddy. While I know you through Twitter, I don’t personally know either of you; however your beautiful tribute to Maddy gives me a glimpse of the wonderful life you created with each other. You and Maddy’s family are in my prayers as you reflect on your life with her and the live you all shared. Hugs to you. Marsha B.
I can only dream of the depth of love you had for each other.
With deep condolences to Victoria and all those who loved Maddy so much.
A beautiful obit for a life well lived.
I only knew Maddy as “The Wife” however your love for her and her strength through her illness were an inspiration to me. May this unending love be a comfort to you.
What a beautiful tribute. Social media is responsible for a lot of bad things, and also some wonderful things. Thousands of us got to know Maddy through social media and her lovely wife. We got to learn of her irrepressible love of art and teaching and life. We witnessed from afar the greatest love story any of us can hope for ourselves. We ache for your loss, those of you who had the privilege of knowing her in real life. She will not be forgotten. Not by a long shot.
Take care. RIP
Michele (aka, MadLaw, aka MadTownLaw — depending on whether the MAGATs are attacking me on a given day)
What a beautiful remembrance of a life well lived and of someone who was deeply loved. I only knew of “The Wife” through Victoria’s Twitter posts but followed their journey and now pray for healing, peace and fond memories that being a smile rather than a tear. RIP Maddy.
Dearest Victoria, Maddy’s family and friends,
I’m just so sorry for your loss of Maddy. As a twitter friend I feel like I had the opportunity to know, in a small way, the two of you and will always be grateful for that. May you all find moments of peace in your grief. Rest in power Maddy.
With sincerest condolences,
Stephanie (@stefsstuff2)
A fine obituary makes you wish you had known the person who died. Yours succeeds so well. While I don’t know what she would have thought of me, I’m sure I would have loved Maddy.
Your loss is immeasurable. I’m so sorry.
My condolences to Maddy’s family and loved ones.
I “knew” Maddy via Victoria’s twitter account.
What a truly amazing life Maddy had, and how lucky she and Victoria were to have reconnected and had 23 years together.
May you all find comfort during this time.
Until yesterday I only knew Maddy as “The Wife” through Victoria’s posts. My heart goes out to Victoria and all of Maddy’s family and friends. You were all so very lucky to have shared your time with such an amazing life force. May you find strength in each other in your time of grief and through your tears may you share smiles and laughter as you celebrate Maddy’s life. May her memory be for blessing.
I am so deeply sorry about Maddy’s passing. Although I was never blessed to meet her, I could feel Victoria’s profound love for her through her writing. Maddy’s life was so rich and varied and artistic and full of love. I send my sincere condolences to Victoria and all of Maddy’s family and friends. May she Rest In Peace, and may she live on in your hearts forever.
I only “knew” Maddy The Wife through Victoria on Twitter. She will always be with Victoria and her family, friends and especially her students.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Fly high Maddy, aka ” The Wife” . Rest easy. We will all look after Victoria.❤❤❤
Donna B from Twitter.
Beautiful. I know her through you. Sending and sharing love.
What a beautiful soul. A loss to the world.
Dear Victoria,
Such a well written, beautiful tribute to your dear wife, Maddy. My heartfelt condolences to you and the family. Wishing you peace and strength during the difficult days ahead.
Sincerely,
Susan (from your Twitter family)
What a life. What a loss.
Victoria, This is a stunningly beautiful tribute to your wife. I only knew her through you. To inspire such words is a testament to the wonderful person she was. Rest In Peace Maddy! 💔
Maddy sounds like she lived two lives. Maybe three. I’m inspired to be better. ❤️
A beautiful tribute to a life well lived and testament to the love she and Victoria shared.
May God comfort all who loved her and may the unforgettable memory of Maddy’s larger than life presence be a blessing to last throughout the lifetime of those whose lives she touched.
Such a beautiful write up. Thank you for sharing her with us. Be well Victoria, and all those impacted by Maddy’s extraordinary life.
May her memory forever be a blessing to those who loved this amazing woman. What a beautiful tribute to a magnificent soul. Peace to those who loved her.
What a truly beautiful woman, profound love story and celebration of real family values. I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute.
I did not know Ms. Gold personally. I did know her through Victoria on Twitter. Both of these women, over the past few years, have given me so much comfort–and taught me many things.
Her death is a tremendous loss to us all.
What a beautiful love story of someone who I never knew but thru your tweets I have followed your struggles with health and being such an advocate for our democratic existence. Just 5 years ago we as humans and a country were on a true feeling of acceptance in all areas of our lives! May she Rest In Eternal peace. May you carry her legacy into your future and know that we are tweeter friends who will continue our struggles and yet find comfort in knowing that there are beautiful people all over this world that we have yet to meet. My condolences to you and your family! STAY STRONG!
What a beautiful life story 💕 Maddy was clearly loved 💕
I knew Maddy only as “The Wife” through Victoria’s twitter account and was often so moved at the love that shone through the flat, impersonal media of a computer screen. She must have been so incredibly special to be loved so dearly and my sympathy goes out to all who knew her.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman.
It would have been a blessing to know her.
Fly Home Sweetie 😘💐🕊️
A beautiful tribute. She will Rest In Peace and love!
Victoria thought she was sly in always referring to her beloved as “The Wife”. Those of us who had been longtime fans knew Maddy’s name. We were aware of the depth of their love and devotion to one another. We were buoyed by their strength in and for one another.
Maddy was always there for her wife, her friends and her family. We were blessed as observers through a shared social network to get peeks of how incredibly special she was to so very many. The dinner parties, the love of community, the domestic battles over inconsequential things like thermostat settings.
My heart aches for the loss of this bright light. How incredibly lucky we were to have had our own lives briefly illuminated because the person who loved her most in this world couldn’t help but occasionally share.
Her love for all she knew and cared about will never dissipate. She will be with each of you always and forever. May it not be too long before all the wonderful memories she blessed you with bring more smiles than tears.
So glad you had each other for as long as you did! Deepest sympathy! From,
Twitter follower and ally.
A light extinguished far to soon. I offer my sincere condolences to all who loved Maddy.
I followed Maddy’s journey from afar, via Victoria’s updates on Twitter. This obituary offers a wonderful glimpse into Maddy’s extraordinary life, and I’m grateful to learn more about her and savor these anecdotes from her life. Maddy sounds like the type of person I admire: strong and outspoken, and unabashedly using her powers for the greater good.
For all the woes of today’s social media era, I appreciate the vicarious experience of getting to know Maddy and Victoria. I’m so sorry for the pain of losing her. I can only imagine the depths of the grief. Hang in there, take care of each other, and know you are supported by so many people. Victoria and Maddy have made a real difference in this world, right when we need it most. Sending love and gratitude.
An amazing life.
May her memory be a blessing.
I am follower on Twitter and have felt that I have been brought along on a journey, just not the outcome we had all hoped and prayed for.
Thinking of Victoria and Maddy’s family and friends.
Victoria,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. This beautiful tribute moves me. I especially liked the part about Maddy’s dad asking you your intentions! What did you say?
Sending you strength, hope, a swirl of snowflakes from Vermont.
Grief is the price we pay for love… Cory
To the family and friends of Maddy. I send my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. She truly sounds like an amazing woman. This life is only a temporary endeavor meant to prepare us for our coming eternal adventure. I am so happy that she got to be such an important part of your lives. I so wish, after reading this beautiful obituary, that I had known her as well. Be strong and rely on the happy memories.
Dear Victoria,
I’m sorry for the loss of lovely Maddy.
Love really is something special.
It flows through the large spaces and weaves into the tiny, tight corners.
It is immeasurable, transcending our bodies and dimension.
Love is forever, thankfully.
Bless all.
So sorry for your loss Victoria. From your sharing on Twitter it was obvious Maddie was special. May the love you shared be a constant comfort to you. I will be praying for you.
What a beautiful woman. In every way. Your words tell us so much. Not only about her, but about you with her. I wish I had known her. I am so deeply sorry. All love.
I wish I had known Maddy. How lucky her family, friends, colleagues and students were to be blessed by her presence. Heaven has gained a star that will burn brightly.
“No great love was perfect, No great love wasn’t bravely fought for.” -Atticus I read this today from the poet Atticus and thought of you. I have never met either of you but your great love was so easy to see. My deepest sympathy for your pain.
The Wife was such a wonderful person! It’s so sad to know that I will never get to meet her and talk with her about art and politics on a street corner or in a supermarket. As a former art student I am even sadder I could not have been one of HER students and spotted her and Victoria on a snowy Christmas Eve in Rittenhouse Square. Thanks for allowing those of us who only ever knew her as The Wife to she her true power and beauty.
I am so deeply sorry that Maddy has passed. I will miss her humor, her incisive wit, her ability to look beneath the surface of what people were saying or doing to get to the heart of what was really going on with them. I will miss HER: the intuitive, brilliant, creative woman who was passionately committed to justice. I will miss the loyal friend, the animal lover, the advocate for change. She was an utter repudiation of the idea that “those who can’t, teach” and a shining example of how “those who can create wonderful art, can teach art wonderfully.” I know that Maddy inspired her students to go beyond limits they thought they had, and achieve things they didn’t know themselves capable of achieving. Her loss will be deeply felt by her students, and by all those who knew her, all those who loved her. The world is a poorer place for her passing. My heart-felt condolences to her beloved wife, Victoria, and to their family and close friends.
Though I’ve never met either you or your lovely Maddy, I find myself devastated by news of her passing. I guess this sounds weird, but I have grown to care about you both, and have prayed for you both. I’ve been amused, Victoria, by your passing along comments by “The Wife”.
Please accept my deepest condolences for this great loss. I know there is likely lots to do, but I ask of you one thing. Please be kind to yourself, now, and in the quiet times to come.
May her memory be a blessing.
Sincerely,
Cathy Fouche
That was a beautiful obituary. I feel like I knew her as an observer. I have followed Victoria for a while on Twitter and I realize that we are of like minds when it comes to politics and society. I feel the world has lost a warrior for good and just causes. May your family know that her glowing light is not extinguished, merely passed into the realm of mindfulness.
Knowing Victoria and Maddy (the wife) only through twitter, I wanted to read the tweet that would be the best news ! Somehow the miracle could happen. Your journey sounded so, so hard. Thank you for sharing who Maddy was , in your beautiful writing my deepest condolences to Victoria and both of your families.
What a beautiful tribute. When Victoria spoke of her wife, you could feel the joy she brought to everything she touched – her cooking, her devotion to Victoria, her work, and her belief that the fight was worth it. I never met Maddy, but yet I did. Your grief is immense, but she gifted you with such joy, strength and wonderful memories. May they comfort you as you cope with such a loss.
May her loved ones find comfort in their memories of Maddy, an outstanding woman who left too soon. Thank you for sharing her with us. My condolences to her wife, Victoria, friends, students and family. She made a difference. Signed, A Twitter friend.
I only know her through you Victoria, but she had to have been uniquely special to have filled your heart so completely. My most sincere condolences to you. Prayers for strength as you try to find your way forward. Xoxo!
I feel like I knew her and wish her fair winds and following seas. Rest In Peace.
Condolences on the loss of your beloved wife Maddy. Almost felt like I knew her the way your Twitter posts always illuminated your love for her. Just an inspiring love story, feel privileged to have witnessed it via Twitter. God bless you and take care. I’m so very sorry.
A life well lived!! Condolences to all her many family and friends.
I didn’t know Maddy but wish I had. She actually was the person that at I still aspire to be. She is leaving behind a literal endless wake of herself and my god what an amazing way to leave the world. You have all been so lucky to have her in your life and I am profoundly sorry for your loss. -Maureen
These words are written of an extraordinary woman, an extraordinary life, and extraordinary love….It is customary to say,, “may her memory be a blessing.” From this beautifully written piece, I am sure that will be the case. I only know of your story through Twitter, but, I am sending peace and light to all of you who loved her and were loved by her so well.
A spectacular woman!
I ‘knew’ her thru Twitter and her wife’s loving posts. Maddy’s teaching us still the value of doing work that feeds your soul, fighting for right, loving ferociously and laughing often. May she Rest In Peace.
I loved Madden through Victoria and her updates and anecdotes noting the ups and downs. I am overwhelmed by how much love of each other and love of life existed in this Union,
May Maddy’s memory and love exist in your soul for the healing rest of your life and my love of you both will keep my memories of Maddy alive, making my heart sing when I think of you both.
Hugs always
Chris and Jim McLennan
Phoenix Arizona
Fan on Twitter
❤️❤️❤️
I’ve been following Maddy’s journey through her wife on Twitter. I’m sorry to hear her journey has come to the end.
May her kindness and legacy live on and may your memories bring you comfort. Love, from an American in Australia.
My condolences to Maddy’s wife, and family. Peace.
I am profoundly sorry for this terrible loss. I only knew Maddy as “The Wife,” Victoria’s affectionate way of identifying her on Twitter, but even as The Wife, Maddy was always a huge presence in Victoria’s tweets. I’ve followed Maddy’s & Victoria’s odyssey these last 6 months, deeply moved both by Victoria’s & Maddy’s abiding love for each other & by the courage, humor & determination they shared as they moved through it. Victoria, thank you for sharing Maddy with us; what an extraordinary woman. The universe is truly less for her loss, but know that we are more because of her, because of you both. Love and light to you; please know we’re here for you, always.
My heartfelt condolences to Victoria and Maddy’s families. I’ve followed Victoria when she shared the love and support of Maddy daily on Twitter. You are both beautiful. And the love was clearly present. God bless you all. I’m so sorry for the pain Maddy and you all endured. RIP Maddy.
💜🙏💜
Beautifully written, a picture of a woman of love and strength I’m so sorry for your loss, I know she was everything.
I’ve followed Maddy’s cancer journey through her wife Victoria’s Twitter account. She fought so hard and her strength was inspiring.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul I wish I’d had the privilege of knowing. Love and blessings to Victoria and all Maddy’s family and friends.
I did not know Maddy, besides through Victoria’s Twitter posts about “the Wife” chronicling Maddy’s cancer journey. I along with so many sent continuous prayers and healing and recovering support. I am so sadden to learn that recovery would not happen… To read this beautiful and insightful obit. Is to get to know a person I will never know, but to “meet” anyway an extraordinary woman whose accomplishments would take many others lifetimes to earn if ever… reading this obit, I could see and hear this remarkable woman so full of life, love, adventure, talent, wisdom, humor, passion…
and on some strange way feel like I have a new friend… to those who knew and loved Maddy, you were the lucky ones. May you all hold each other in a circle of love as you navigate this raw and heartbreaking loss. And may Maddy’s memory be a blessing and flame to live your life in as many colors as Maddy sure did. Rest in Peace Maddy.
I didn’t know Maddy, but I learned of her through Victoria’s Twitter account which often showed up on my feed. I would have loved to have known her though because she was definitely my kind of person. May she forever be a light to those who loved her.
This is the most beautiful obituary I’ve ever read. What a wonderful remembrance of an extraordinary life. Had I had the chance to meet Maddy, I know we’d have been fast friends. Sending so much love to Victoria and their entire extended family group.
Love, strength, peace. May you you all be embraced with the warmth of having Maddy in your lives. Victoria: hugs. Just hugs.
My sincere condolences to Victoria, Maddie’s family and friends. What an amazing person- what a wonderful life. A teacher. A painter. A wife. Touched so many people.
Maddie fly high and watch over your dear wife and family. Rest now sweet angel. Rest.
Holding all who loved her in my heart as you grieve and mourn.
My deepest condolences. Maddy was an exceptional woman of great talent. May her memory never fade from your hearts.
We have never met in person. I know Victoria through Twitter, and it is through Victoria that I know Maddy- “The Wife”. True love is a privilege to behold, and I so admire the obvious true love between Victoria and Maddy. My most sincere condolences on this profound loss.
I only “knew” of Maddy through her wife’s Twitter posts. After read thus loving & lovely tribute, I truly wish I had known her in life.
What a beautiful woman and tribute. RIP Maddy.
Such a great loss to the world What an incredible human being My deepest sympathy to Victoria and all Maddy’s family and friends
Victoria and family, my sincerest condolences for your loss. Maddy was a talented artist and wonderful spouse.
Emma Waller
I’m so moved by that notice, and Victoria’s devotion to Maddy. Know that even now she continues to inspire strangers to do their best to change the world. Thank you, Victoria, for sharing Maddy with the world.
What an incredible woman Maddy was. I followed her story through her wife Victoria on Twitter. Every time I’d see something about “The Wife” I checked in hoping that she was doing okay, and hope against hope that she’d beat her cancer. Sadly, that didn’t happen but I am touched to read about her life that was so well lived and filled with so much love. We should all be so fortunate. I send my most sincere condolences to her wife, Victoria and her beloved friends and family who have lost such a dear person. RIP Maddy <3
This is one of the most beautiful, vibrant, moving obituaries I have ever read. I follow Victoria on Twitter and enjoyed reading about their good times – and was inspired each day by their love. I wish I had known Maddy personally. I am grateful for her life – for the impact she had on her students, friends, family, cats and the thousands she impacted through her work and her bold, loving, devotion to making this a better place for all of us. And how appropriate one of her final actions was a vote for John Fetterman. Victoria, thank you for sharing her with us. My heartfelt condolences to all who loved her. I know she will be with you always. Light and progress to her spirit – I know she soars with power, laughter, light and love.
She sounds like a remarkable person. What a spectacular life she had. I’m sorry for the loss you are feeling.
May I offer my condolences to Victoria and to your friends and family. I only know Victoria from Twitter so I appreciate hearing more about Maddy and your life together. I m sorry that this past year has been so hard. Thank you for letting me get to know “The Wife” a bit through this obituary. Sounds like you had a rich, warm and loving life together. Take care.
A terrific memorial for a wonderful woman. Thank you for sharing your lives with strangers on Twitter.
I knew of Maddy only through Victoria’s posts that so clearly defined their love for each other, yet I could feel Maddy’s strength and determination through those same posts. I am so sorry for the pain felt by those who treasured her.
May all who knew her and loved her find peace for their souls, and may her memory always be a blessing.
Maddy was brave alright… fighting for those last few months of love! A worthy fight, indeed! I wish I had known this talented and accomplished woman! Thanks for the short introduction, Victoria…
I knew Maddy only through her beloved wife Victoria. Every post about her and “the Wife” was so full of joy and love that I really felt I knew Maddy. She was quite a remarkable woman. I offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends. Her memory will always be a blessing to all those fortunate enough to know her.
I only know Maddy through Victoria’s posts, but after reading this I see we have witnessed a love story for the ages. It is obvious that Maddy left her mark on the world and to7ched lives wherever she went. Her memory will live on in the hearts of people she met and those who only met her online. What a legacy she leaves!
A longtime quiet follower. I found you during the pandemic and appreciated your views, My deepest condolences of the loss of your wife. Wishing you peace in your memories of your loved one. 💕🙏
Thank you, Victoria, for sharing a glimpse into the wonderful, powerful, loving life of Maddy. Though I have only known you on the bird app, I prayed for you both every day. I will continue to pray for you. How lucky you were to have each other.
Beautiful human. You have a beautiful love story as well.
As I sit here with tears streaming down my face after reading such a beautiful tribute to a stranger, I’m reminded of a quote that I once read which spoke to being affected by the death of someone you don’t know & that you realize the our reach, our energy, our impact extends far beyond the circle that we perceive to be our own. My heart goes out to all who were lucky enough to know & love Maddy. She certainly sounds like one of the great ones.
My love and thoughts to Maddy’s family and friends. Victoria brought her to life for those of us on Twitter. My heart goes out.
May the angels paint and sing Maddy to the heavens above. I never had the pleasure of meeting her but did come to know Maddy through her loving wife Victoria. (Twitter) The world was a better place with her in it. My heart is broken. You will be missed. Rest Easy Maddy
I have followed the story of your beloved wife on Twitter and I was heartbroken for you when I saw “The Wife” passed. My deepest condolences to you and all who lived her.
Words cannot describe how moving, and beautiful this was. Through your words, I could feel who Maddy was…wish I could have known her. Teachers are of the greatest importance…what a legacy. I’m so sorry for your loss.
A life well lived. Sending love light and condolences to Maddy’s wife and the rest of her loving family and friends.
What a beautiful, powerful life she led! I wish I had known her. I would have been bowled over by her passion for life and her great intelligence. I am so sorry those who loved her best and whose love she returned had to say “goodbye” too soon.
I only knew Maddy through Victoria’s tweets but like everyone I have known with this awful disease I was cheering and praying for her. She was loved by so many and this beautiful tribute gave us I am sure only a glimpse of why. I am so sorry for everyone that is experiencing this tragic loss. May Maddy Rest In Peace. God Bless.
What a beautiful tribute. Maddy sounds like she made the lives of everyone she touched better just by being in them. May she rest in peace and may you find comfort in the warm memories you shared and may the light of those around you help you through this dark time.
I wish I had known her. She sounds like an extraordinary human. I hope all of those who did know her find comfort in each other in the face of her loss.
What a phenomenal woman. I don’t personally know Victoria, however, over the past I came to follow her on Twitter. In doing so I became aware of Maddy, known as wife, and have followed this amazing love story. I am truly sorry for the loss of what I have learned reading her obituary a caring, loving, and amazing woman. She will truly have stars in her crown and I feel the world has lost a true superstar.
I never had the honor of meeting Maddy. Stars but I wish I had! Victoria graciously shared her Beloved Wife with a circle of friends on Twitter and helped us know a remarkable lady who was bright and dynamic. Maddy had a strength that allowed her to persevere through a brutal disease while supporting Victoria during her chronic illness. There was a lovely bond that could be sensed even through the aether where we online friends could marvel at their love.
Maddy, wherever your soul has traveled, know that you brightened your family’s lives and reminded me to fight and strive. Thank you for that. And Victoria, thank you for giving us all a chance to know your Beloved too.
Maddy sounds like an exceptional human being. I only knew her through post from her spouse Victoria. What an example to try to live up too. I would never be able to scratch the surface of being the wonderful soul that she was. Praying that Victoria will accept the love and prayers from her Twitter family. Victoria is a much loved friend to many on twitter. My heart breaks for her family and friends. Rest in Power, Maddy🙏♥️
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I only know Maddy from reading about her battle through Victoria’s Twitter posts, but she sounds like an amazing woman. She was a valiant warrior until the end. I’m not surprised at all to read about all of the lives she touched along her journey because the stories of her battle pulled at my heartstrings. It was obvious that she and Victoria were soulmates. I hope that her memory is a comfort to her loved ones.
I do not personally know either Maddy or Victoria, but after reading this beautiful tribute I will never forget her. She will be very much missed, but the memories and thoughts that Maddy embellished will be a comfort to her family and friends. Rest in peace Maddy and blessings to your family.
What a beautiful obituary – I feel like I know your precious Maddy. Sending sympathy and strength to all who love her. She must have been so, so special.
Blessings of Maddy will continue to ripple ever outward as all the strangers, students, friends, family and wife, all of her beloved, are inspired by her magic, humor and giant heart. I only knew her through Victoria’s social posts, but have been so impressed with the journey of courage and heart. Victoria, may these acute times of pain fade until all of your warm memories become the tender touchpoints to the love that never ends! “What is grief, but love enduring?”
Sending hugs, love and witness!
January
Maddy was a beautiful person and an amazing role model. Her humanity made a difference in so many lives as a teacher and artist. May she Rest In Peace 💔
What an exceptional woman! This is truly one of the most beautiful, touching, and heartfelt obituaries I’ve ever read.
Victoria, after following you on Twitter for many years, the love you and Maddy shared (and I will say, “still share”) was/is clearly extraordinary.
After reading everything you wrote, I felt as if I lost a friend, though I felt that when I learned of her death. By the way, I just asked my partner, who attended the Philadelphia College of Art, if he remembers Albert Gold, and indeed he does.
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife.
Sending you much love and light.
For the years I have read about Maddy, The Wife, following Victoria’s life and wisdom on Twitter, I have gotten to know a couple devoted to each other, and though perfect strangers half a country away, I was touched by Victoria’s tender and loving words of her soulmate, worried for her too as Victoria described her declining health and the stress and anxiety coming to terms of a possible future without her dearest Maddy. At the same time, I loved reading Victoria’s tweets for her politics and speaking up for the disenfranchised who often do not have a voice that matters in this world, so it is with great pleasure to read that Maddy was as passionate about these same things too. Your tribute to Maddy is beautiful and bittersweet Victoria. She was a beautiful soul, lived life to its fullest and I only wish she could have made a miraculous recovery. I wish you comfort in her memory and strength in the days ahead. Joan of ❤️.
Your updates about Maddy have been an anchor for me on Twitter. I am so grateful to now read her/your life story. And I am in tears over the loss of a woman I never knew as anything but “the wife.” Dearest Victoria-you have made her real to us, your Twitter family. May we be strong and good enough to be here for you. To support you in your grief. To love you as you loved Maddy. I will always be grateful for your posts, and for traveling this path as a Twitter Voyeur with you and our fellow twitterers. Sending you love and gratitude. And gratitude for the remarkable, rich and full life your dear Maddy lived. Wishing you peace, comfort, and an end to the latest exacerbation. LaBrownaz —Philly born. Grew up in Levittown. (I was kicked off Twitter this week for sending you a tweet wishing you and Maddy a break from pain and illness, BTW. Bots thought I was harassing you. Appeal went into an unmanned inbox. Pfft.) May we meet some day so I can give you a big hug from western NM. ❤️❤️
My heartfelt condolences to Victoria, Maddy’s family & friends, and all those who loved her.
I never knew her personally, but wish that I had the chance to.
A life well lived.
May she rest in peace.
Though I did not know her, I often prayed for her during her illness. This obit tells me she was a genuine, loving and gifted woman. The world is less with her passing.
My condolences to you and your families.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences to you Victoria and all those who loved Maddy. Remembering you in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead. 🙏
What a beautiful tribute. Although I never met you in-person, Victoria paints your portrait as adeptly as I imagine you painted on a canvas. The world is a little dimmer having lost a light such as yours. Pennsylvania is better for having had you in the city of brotherly love. It would seem you took that saying to heart. Much love to those who knew and love you, especially Victoria who knows me simply as T.
I never had the honor of meeting Maddie – I knew her through my twitter friend, Victoria – Maddy’s wife.
What an absolutely amazing human being she was. She left this world a better place and all who knew her are counting their lucky stars that this incredible human being was part of their lives.
I pray that she rests in peace and rises in glory. She’s probably in heaven right now rescuing cats, helping those in need and being her wild, wonderful self.
Wishing you all peaceful hearts as you honor and remember a life well lived and well loved. May the warmth of cherished memories comfort and sustain you in the days and weeks to come. I knew of Maddy through Victoria on Twitter. I wish I had known her in real life. Someday, your heart will hurt a little less and you will remember something she said or did with a smile and a laugh. She will always live in the memories of your hearts. My condolences to all of you who knew and loved her.
As you enter what will be a life long new normal always remember whatever commitments you made together. If it was vacations do them, if wasto remodel a room do it. Continue in you to fulfill the bucket list you both created. Your tears will begin to turn into smiles. Because she will always be by yourside.🙏❤️
Your tribute to your beloved wife was inspirational and Maddy would be proud.
I shed a good many tears as I read it and my heart breaks along with yours. Be kind and gentle with yourself, grieve as you should for the loss of your beloved. We are all with you with love and virtual hugs. 💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️🇨🇦🇨🇦
As you enter what will be a life long new normal always remember whatever commitments you made together. If it was vacations do them, if wasto remodel a room do it. Continue in you to fulfill the bucket list you both created. Your tears will begin to turn into smiles. Because she will always be by yourside.🙏❤️
What a marvelous remembering of Maddy. Thank you for sharing her with us.
I did not have the honor of meeting Mandy, she was a blessing to all in her life. My she rest in eternal peace and live in her loved ones hearts.
I didn’t know Maddy, but I read her obit. All of it.
What a wonderful tribute to a life very well lived.
Thank you for sharing
John
What a wonderful telling of a beautiful and meaningful life. I only know Maddy through Victoria, but my heart breaks for all of you who so deeply loved her. May those who loved her so dearly find peace and comfort in holding on to one another. I am so, so sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing a glimpse of Maddie’s life with us. How fortunate are those who had Maddy in their lives. As the author Isabel Allende says, we carry our dead loved ones with us, always in our hearts. May you speak of Maddie with a smile on your face and may all these memories give you comfort and ease your sorrow. Grief is the love that couldn’t be expressed; so, cry as much as you need and as long as you need, and always say her name.
What a beautiful,love filled tribute to the “Wife”…and what an amazing life..a life so well lived.You both were so very lucky to have each other.Please know I send my deepest and heartfelt condolences to you Victoria and Maddy’s family.May the memory and love she gave all of you and the love you returned to her,bring you comfort and peace.God Bless you all.
I have followed Victoria on Twitter. I have loved her strength and how she unabashedly shared her love for “the Wifey.” I am confident that theirs is a bond that will endure for eternity. My sympathies are with you, Victoria, and with her family and friends.
A fitting obituary for a woman who lived a life well lived and fiercely loved. I know of her journey via Victoria on Twitter. I will be donating as a fellow teacher to the Trevor Project in her name- for her students and mine- to know they always matter. Thank you for letting us share this beautiful soul in a small way.
I did not know Maddy in life but sort of felt like I did through Victoria’s twitter account. She sounds like a wonderful, warm and brave person that I would have loved to call a friend. I’m so glad you found each other again. I hope your beautiful memories with Maddy will be a great comfort.
May the love shared between you both continue to inspire. May the lives Maddy touched through her teaching thrive. May the art she shared with the world encourage. May Maddy Gold rest in peace. Thank you for sharing your love and her transition. Praying your comfort.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your love fir her will endure till the end of time.
Dear Victoria, you have answered so many questions I have had about you two. Maddy sounds so special and unique and wish you had let us know her. I DO remember you telling us that you would hold hands when watching movies and that she was a great cook and I love that she was you “cub” reporter. I can’t imagine how broken you must feel and how much you’ll miss her so I have no words of encouragement. I do wish you peace and comfort.
This has to be the most beautiful tribute I have ever read. I don’t know you Victoria..and just started following you. I am in awe of the relationship you two had in life, and I know it will continue. Grief never leaves, but finds a place in your heart. My sincere condolences to you and those who knew and loved Maddy.
What a remarkable person and a remarkable life! This is one of the most interesting obituaries I have ever read and I’m immensely sorry I never had the great opportunity to meet Maddy. I only heard small bits about her illness through your posts on Twitter. May happy memories comfort you and may her memory be a blessing. Rest in power.
Rest in power, warrior spirit, and my deepest condolences to those you love (present tense, because love is eternal), and who love you in return.
I only knew of Maddy via Victoria’s tales on Twitter. I hate that she has left this Earth so soon. She leaves such an incredible legacy— to think of all the artists she inspired who in turn are and will inspire more artists—so beautiful.
What an incredible life, so well lived. The ripple effect of Maddy’s life may never be known, but her impact lives on beautifully.
Maddy will be missed her life was a blessing to me although we never met .Rest in peace dear soul .
Thank you Victoria for sharing Maddy’s journey. What a life! And what a love you shared. May her suffering be rewarded with angels wings and may her love transform all that she touch❤️
Words fail. What a wonderful incredible woman, who was blessed with so much love.video knew her and her great love through Victoria’s twitter. Now I see the vibrancy of Maddy.. The loss of so much light and love. Thank you for sharing her. I know I’ll think of her often.
She sounds like an amazing woman. I’m glad you were able to spend so many years together, sharing love and enriching each other’s lives.
My condolences to all of you who knew and loved her. It sounds like she was loved and loved strong and for life. What a gift it must have been to know her. May her memory be a blessing.
I only know Maddy through the online remarks of her adoring wife, Victoria. The transcendent happiness and uttermost love contained in her words tell me that Maddy must have been a true joy and delight, whose price was far above rubies. I only pray that her entire family can take comfort in that joy, and that her memory will truly prove a blessing.
May her memory be a blessing. She was love personified. She certainly made this world better.
I only knew Maddy through Victoria’s tweets, but what was clear was that theirs was a love story for all time. Their love, and joy of life and one another, came through even amidst the hard days when both struggled with their health. I know she’ll be sorely missed.
May the memory of this extraordinary woman be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
Victoria, thank you for sharing your beloved Maddy with we, your followers. I can’t imagine the sense of loss that you must feel right now. It’s devastating no matter what. May you find peace in your memories and in your tears. May you one day soon have moments of laughter at the memory of your wife’s wit and humor. Take care of yourself and allow others to offer to help… And may you accept the help they offer. May you be well.
What an extraordinary person! The world is better because of her.
My sincere condolences to Maddy’s wife Victoria and her brother and many friends and family. May she rest in power
What a tragedy to lose such a wonderful person who spent her life in service to others.
Ann Yonan
Expressions of sorrow seem inadequate. May her memory be a blessing. May the out poring of love provide some comfort.
What a Life!
What a remarkable Woman.
Such talent.
Such wit.
Such charm.
Such charisma.
Such intellect.
Such beauty.
Such passion and compassion.
Such humor in the midst of pain.
And Love!
Oh did she ever Love.
Anyone, everyone, friends, students and strangers.
She loved all.
She was and always will be remembered for all these and much more.
Most of all, remembered for her love, with Love.
And with the Love of her Life
Maddy and Victoria truely, forever nurtured their lives with Love.
Always, forever, truely.
MADDY IS LOVED.
Victoria, you incredible written words to describe the amazing life of Maddy- “The wife”- as I knew her from Twitter, are so beautiful, heartfelt, and bittersweet. I am deeply sorry for your loss, and to all the many, many people who loved her.
What an amazing tribute to what sounds like an amazing woman. I can tell you both brought out the best in each other. May you find the strength to continue your fight through her legacy. May her memory be a blessing.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for the loss of such a remarkable soul. The world needs so many more people with the incredible light and life Maddy had. May her memory burn bright for all who knew and loved her, and my heart breaks for her absence in your lives.
Maddy,
May your starshine continue to bring light to all those who loved you.
Such a loving tribute to an accomplished and amazing person. I have only known your wife through you and am grateful you have shared Maddy with us. May you, your family, friends and Maddy’s countless students be lifted up by love, kindness and compassion.
A wonderful example of a life well lived. Vibrance like this never fades. She will be at your right – or perhaps left – hand forever.
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful life well-lived. My condolences to all who knew and loved her.
A beautiful, rich tribute to a vibrant woman. Our world is diminished by her absence. Thank you, Victoria, for sharing so much of Maddy.
Although I only knew Maddy through the tweets of her loving wife, Victoria, I felt as if I knew her in person too. My heart goes out to all who loved her and will miss her deeply, especially Victoria and her immediate family and friends. I will be praying for God’s comfort for you all.
Oh Victoria, family and loved ones of Maddy’s – May you heal and have peace, and cherish every memory with her. Sending love from Houston.
I am moved. That I did not know this lovely woman in life is to my detriment. She will be remembered. She is loved. by many. May her family and lovers ( Vicky) keep her flame alive and warm in their hearts.
Thank You for sharing this beautiful picture of her life with us.
Victoria’s stories helped me love Maddy, a soul I never knew.
And now I mourn among strangers who are now friends
because we are linked by these two amazing women.
We should all hope to be remembered in such loving terms. I’m sorry I never knew her in real life, I only knew her through Victoria’s twitter. She is an inspiration and a model for how we should all live our lives. My deepest condolences for all those who knew and loved her.
This is so beautiful, Victoria. You have, I am sure, captured Maddy perfectly. I am so terribly sorry you have lost the love of your life- and my sympathy goes to everyone who knew Maddy, as it is so apparent she touched the lives of everyone she met. I am wishing you comfort in your memories, and peace. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. We are better for it.
Maddy, May your legacy and love be remembered by generations. Your passion for life, love for humanity and the arts, and zest for life will not be forgotten. Victoria and family, my condolences. May you hold your memories and love close to your heart, healing will follow. Prayers and love to you all.
Oh, Maddy! What a wonderful life, so well lived, and truly an inspiration. I know of Maddy as “the wife” in Victoria’s stupendous twitter feed, and now I see so clearly Maddy’s mad love and support in Victoria’s writing. It can surely never be untangled. Endless blessings all around, in this great forever love.
Maddy makes me want to be a better person. Such a gift. Her brilliance radiates like a pebble in a pond. Thank you for being you. And to Victoria, my deepest condolences.
We were all rooting for you both. I’m so glad you had the six months and wish it had been six decades. You made us know and love her and that is the most perfect tribute you could have made.
Love is a verb .Maddy and You did,do and will.Love never goes away ;Especially in the darkest times .Thank you for sharing Her and all the people who know her in this beautiful intimate portrait/tribute. Sending Love and light, Amour Toujours.
Il n’y a qu”un bonheur dans la vie ,C’est d’aimer et être aimé. George Sand
There is only one happiness in life ,to love and beloved.
What a memorable tribute to your incredible wife, Maddy. Victoria, even though I did not know either of you personally, I felt heartbroken for you and your family throughout the brutal treatments Maddy endured, and now I’m even more heartbroken for you all after her untimely death. What a gift and legacy Maddy gave, to you and her family, and to all the students who were fortunate enough to have benefitted from her dedication to art education. I pray that memories of the life you shared together will help comfort you in your grief. Hoping all in your virtual community can continue to support you as time goes by. Deepest condolences to you, your families, and dear friends.
What a powerful tribute to a remarkable woman and a remarkable love story. My deepest condolences to my friend Victoria and to all who loved Maddy.
I didn’t know Maddy.What I do know is how much Victoria loved her and how much that love illuminated my twitter timeline on a daily basis. In a world where so often what we hear about is anger and resentment, even hate, the daily love tweets from Victoria about her beloved wife were a real gift to my spirit – and I suspect many others feel the same way. Only a truly amazing person could have engendered such a tide of love that it swept outwards across the world and brought comfort and joy to so many people.
My deepest condolences to Victoria, to Maddy’s family and to her friends.
What a beautiful, inspiring, creative soul was Maddie. I know of her through Victoria’s online presence, and now know much more of this loving person. This is an incredible tribute, Victoria. My heart and prayers go with you and all who have loved and been inspired by Maddie. She will always be a blessing.
Victoria posted about Maddy frequently. I felt as if I knew her. Everyone felt the love that Victoria and Maddy had for each other.
Reading this is amazing. Maddy was an exception to the rule. Maddy was absolutely incredible. She was a true, strong woman and we are in absolute awe of her.
We will miss her with all of our hearts.
Sending love and prayers for strength to Victoria.
A loving tribute to an amazing woman. Maddy, “The Wife”, was a gift and Victoria was kind enough to share her with her Twitter family. The love that bound Victoria and Maddy together will last throughout eternity. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her and may her family and friends be wrapped in that blessing.
What a moving tribute to Maddy. It’s heartbreaking to lose a stellar and gifted human being who lived to the fullest, loved profoundly, and cared so much about others. All my sympathy to Maddy’s wife Victoria and her family and friends. She stayed with you as long as she possibly could; I hope you will find comfort in always knowing you were the stars in her sky.
So sad, good to express that sadness over losing such a wonderful loving partner.
Let grief come in, it never goes anyway, but does change inside you over time.
How I wish I had known Maddy! Reading about her life makes me wants to live bigger and with the great love and vibrance with which she lived. I know of Maddy through Victoria and twitter. What a gift it has been to pray for Maddy and all of you, her family, through this time. There is no doubt her memory will be for a blessing to everyone she loved and to everyone who loved her. I wish you all peace as you grieve. – Jane in Portland, OR
A beautiful tribute to an amazing woman. Thank you for sharing some of her with us ❤️ I am deeply sorry for your loss
Like many others, I followed Maddy’s courageous struggle with this terrible disease on Victoria’s Twitter. The entire time, I hoped for a medical miracle, all the while knowing deep down that was not going to happen. But, after reading Victoria’s wonderful and loving tribute to her, I now realize that Maddy’s life was the real miracle. She was an Angel placed among us, who gave light and joy to so many for so many years. I feel blessed to have “known” her for even these past few months.
May her memory be a blessing.
I know both you and Maddy through your Tweets, Victoria. I am so honored that you shared her and your love for each other with us. Thank you.
Victoria, I have been your Twitter friend from CA since 2015. In that time, I have logged on sometimes, only to read your posts. Besides your resilience and dedication to all vulnerable people, I especially loved reading the posts about The Wife, date nights, special dinners, your stories of The Wife while she taught art classes on zoom, pictures of your nieces and nephews, pictures of the cats, and your amazingly beautiful Christmas tree. In the beginning I came to you for political direction, but over the years for inspiration in so many other areas, but mostly for the love you held in your heart for The Wife. It’s interesting that we finally read today, her full name, and her life story. It does not surprise me one bit, that her last name is Gold. That’s the perfect description of your heart and The Wife’s heart…full of pure gold. My heart feels so sad for you and your family, but it is also full of so much love for both of you. May you know that you both collectively filled your time together with an unforgettable, beautiful, colorful, deep love.
I promise to continually log in, to check in with you. Please know you have so many people who love you. I’m so very sorry. Thank you for sharing your love story with us.
Dear Maddy, Rest well. Enjoy your new adventure in the beyond. Victoria will miss you every day forever. I am glad you had 23 years together. I am sorry your fight was so very gruesome but you certainly gave it the college try. Both of you take care.
What an incredible tribute to what was most certainly a life well lived and a love well loved. I don’t know either of you but have followed your journey, struggles and love. Peace be with you during this difficult time. I can only wish to be loved like you two loved one another. Hugs to you and yours.
Dear Maddy, Rest well. Enjoy your new adventure in the beyond. Victoria will miss you every day forever. I am glad you had 23 years together. I am sorry your fight was so very gruesome but you certainly gave it the college try. Both of you take care. ..
I’m so sorry; my condolences to Maddie’s family and friends. What a remarkable woman, and what a love story. I didn’t know you were childhood sweethearts. God bless.
Dearest Maddy,
Rest peacefully. Thank you for letting your beloved Victoria share you with us; I feel that allowed us all to carry a small piece of you in our hearts. My deepest condolences to your loving wife and extended family, may they bask in the glow of your memory.
I know you, Maddy, through this obituary but even more so from the expert writing of you wife, Victoria, who’d generously use her writing skills to share your joys and struggles with thousands on a social-media platform. May the memory of you, Maddy, and your artistry continue to shine and brighten our lives, and may Victoria and all your family know you were loved, and cared for, and now rightfully remembered in perpetuity.
Victoria opened us up to the incredible Maddy whose heart and soul were pure joy and strength. Maddy as 8n life, your memory will be a blessing.
What a wonderful remembrance of Maddy. She seems like that kind, intelligent and talented person anyone would want to know. She will no doubt be missed by so many who will carry her light forward and live by her example.
I’m so glad to have seen Victoria’s posts on Twitter about her and about their bond of love. Truly a magical love story. I send condolences to all who adored her.
I follow Victoria on Twitter for her reporting and opinions, but it has also been a privilege to hear about the live she shared with Maddy. I am saddened for her loss. She sounded like an incredible person, and we are diminished by her passing.
Rest in Peace.
I only know of Maddy through Victoria’s devotional writing and vignettes. However, through her writing, their love, strength, courage, joy, and activism transcended time and space. I feel so blessed to have been inspired their love story. The world is certainly a better place because Maddy lived her life so well, so fully. May Victoria be surrounded, supported and protected by love, light and prayer. In case it may be helpful, in my experience, love and memory are stronger than death.
Victoria – I can’t begin to find the words to make anything better, other than 21 years ago, I lost my beloved husband – so in that regard, I understand the loss. the pain & the WHY ??? Maddy and I shared the profession as educators, as did my late husband; students are very intuitive when it comes to knowing and remembering great teachers for touching & changing their lives for the better, and Maddy did that repeatedly.
My heart, and prayers are with all of you that God will keep you in his care, and eventually bring peace and healing-it will take time . . May His love lead you, bring comfort to every life Maddy touched. Amen.
Maddy’s was a life well and beautifully lived. And to Victoria, it’s abundantly clear that there’s never been a love story better than yours. Please believe that the brightest star in the night sky sparkles for both of you, tonight and always.
What a beautiful life. Victoria I feel your pain as I lost my partner of 21 years a year ago Oct 23, 2021. It is a pain that cannot be described until you feel it yourself. I wish you peace and love, and gentle rest for Maddy.
What a beautiful woman Maddy was! This was a very loving tribute to Maddy and her family. My thoughts are with Victoria and the rest of her family. May loving memories bring you comfort in your time of sorrow.
What an incredibly beautiful tribute to an incredibly beautiful person. I’m so sorry for your loss.
This has been sad news to close out a a chapter of you generously sharing with everyone your experiences during Maddy’s illness and your enduring love for her.
Autumn leaves are falling now, but spring will come again. You will always have Maddy in your heart. May her memory be indeed a blessing.
What a lovely testament to a life exquisitely lived! As one of Victoria’s followers on Twitter, I must say that Maddie’s life has been a blessing and her loss will leave a very painful hole in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known her. From the anecdotes shared in the obituary, I feel safe in saying that her memory will be a blessing. Sending healing light and Love ❤️
What a beautiful tribute. I only “knew” Maddy through tweets from Victoria about “The Wife” but can understand why and how Victoria, as well as the rest of Maddy’s family and friends loved her so deeply. Sending love and support to all who cherished Maddy and lost her all too soon.
Dear Victoria, like so many, I learned all about your beautiful wife through your tender and loving words about her. Tonight, and in the days to come, I join with many thousands and offer you and all those who love Maddy my sincerest condolences. Thank you for sharing her life and legacy so generously with us. Sending up prayers and holding you in the light.
What a wonderful woman who has made such an impact on the world. Her memory is a blessing.
Maddy’s memory will be a blessing and an inspiration not only to her wife, her students, her friends and family, but to all of us who knew her only through you, Victoria. Thank you both. (@HagwindMV)
What a beautiful eulogy for your wife Victoria! I’m sorry that you, and the world, have lost her.
May Maddy’s love live on forever in the hearts of all who were blessed by her presence 💞
Maddy, what a beautiful tribute to your loving wife. I only know you too from Twitter but it feels as though I have known you for years and have attended some of those wonderful gatherings and meals you describe with the two of you. Time on this earth is precious and the bond the two of you formed will last forever and into the next realm. May you stay close to each other for all eternity and may your love for each other keep your strong in all the coming days!
My deepest sympathies.
Victoria’s tribute to Maddy is achingly beautiful. The flowers Maddy sent, the delicious meals and their fur babies gave us a taste of their immeasurable love for each other. And then Victoria shared Maddy’s brave cancer journey. It was heartbreaking, but filled with hope, devotion and beauty.
I am so so sorry for your loss. I pray you are blanketed with peace and comfort.
How very nice. She led a remarkable life and clearly you helped that happen. I wish I’d known her. ❤️❤️
Like the stars in the night Maddy shines brightly still. These are beautiful words of a beautiful human; may you Victoria find solace in the coming days and may Maddy live forever through those she touched so deeply.
While I did not have the good fortune to meet Maddy in person, the love that she inspired shined through in every description of her that her wife, Victoria, put forth on Twitter. I am terribly sorry you were not granted more time together. This world is poorer because of her absence. May her memory be a blessing.
Maddy, I followed your journey on Twitter via Victoria’s posts. You sound like a true badass and reaching hero. Sorry you had to leave so soon. What a loss to the world and to your wife and family and friends. Travel well.
This story of Maddy is so deep and wide and beautiful. What an amazing person! No wonder you adored her, Victoria. You carry her with you, I know, but I am so sorry for your loss of her in your life. I wish you grace and strength as you go forward.
This short poem by W.S. Merwin is the perfect evocation of what happens when one loses a spouse–the missing piece leaves you riven. There is nothing that one doesn’t want to share with that person who was supposed to be there, always. All the daily things we did together–the quotidian daily things. How much would I give to do those chores with you again. All of it. For even one more day. I shall love you and miss you and long for you always. Until we meet again, my sweet darling girl. xxx
“Your absence has gone through me
Like thread through a needle.
Everything I do is stitched with its color.” –W.S. Merwin
This beautiful tribute made me wish I knew her more. I’m so glad to have been able to cross paths with her and hear some stories through the years, and so sorry there won’t be any more. Wishing peace and comfort for you.
I only knew of her through Victoria and I only knew of Victoria through Twitter, but I am so sorry for the loss.
True love. She had it and she gave it. What an amazing woman.
Maddy seems like a remarkable woman and someone I wish I had known.
May you all find comfort in knowing how well loved she is by so many.
Dear Victoria,
Hereby my deepest condolences with the loss of your wife Maddy.
I only followed you just a short time, but was impressed by your strength and the love between you and Maddy.
Although living in Rotterdam far away from you, I sent you a lot of love and my respect for the beautiful words you found to describe the life and wonderful career of Maddy.
A lot of courage and strength in future.
Dear Victoria,
Our sincerest condolences for your sudden and heartbreaking loss. What an anazing woman Maddy was. Your tribute is a testament to your love together. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. Though we’ve never met, I hope you know how much you are loved. May this help lift you during this time of sadness. May Maddy Rest In Peace.
Victoria Im so sorry for you, your family and hers for her passing. I only knew her from you but after reading her obit, I wish I had met her. what a legacy she has left behind. I only hope in this life to be the wonderful person she was.
What a beautiful obit & profound testament to a life well lived and loved, though cut short.
I didn’t know Maddy, actually didn’t even know her name until this obituary.
But ask around U.S. Twitter and most people will know who “The Wife” is.
Victoria shared Maddy and their relationship often and in beautiful small snapshots of their lives, joys and struggles, so we all felt like online friends & family to this adorable couple.
And while I’m sure that being TheWife to Victoria didn’t define all of who and what Maddy was (as this obit clearly shows), I can’t help but think she would love to see how much the love of her life identified her to so many people around the globe.
May the time come and come soon when the memories are more of a blessing like a warm blanket on a cold winter day than an open wound paining you with what you’ve lost.
Maddy and all who loved her are in my thoughts.
Hugs from Germany.
Susi
What an amazing person Maddy was, no wonder you adored her. I’m glad you have such wonderful memories of her. Thinking of you and all your family and friends x
What a magnificent person your wife was. What a loving obituary. My deepest condolences on your loss.
Maddy,
What a life well lived, you gave it your all. So sorry this happened to you and yours.
Victoria, be strong with memories.
Hugs and love
Linda 💔
Dear Victoria,
While we do not know each other, I feel like I know your dearly beloved wife, TheWife, Maddy so well from your writings. This obit is yet another love letter to her and my heart aches for you. It’s so apparent that you are two souls who grew together. So much love!
I am thinking of you in this time of grief. May you be buoyed by family and friends, and all the admiration and love of people like myself, who haven’t had the pleasure of talking at a newsstand with Maddy, but know it would have been a chat to remember! Peace, love, and strength to you is this time of bereavement.
Love to you, Victoria, Maddy and you are always in my thoughts.
Miranda
x
What a gift to read this and finally know “The Wife” after all of Victoria Brownworth’s tweets. I’m glad Twitter lasted long enough for me to learn about Maddy. With loving, healing thoughts from an appreciative stranger.
I followed your journey through the good and the and felt your happiness and pain. Thank you for allowing me into your lives and for showing me how to cope with adversity. May her memory be a blessing
I know Victoria through Twitter. This is such a beautiful, loving remembrance of
Maddy, who I wish I had known. To Victoria, and to all of Maddy’s family and friends,
thank you for sharing such special memories of your beloved Maddy, who was clearly
so beautiful inside and out. Victoria, please take care of yourself. I’ve said it before,
but it bears repeating: I’ll keep you and Maddy in my prayers. Sending love
from Atlanta.
May the Light of your life and all the seeds you’ve planted over your years be blessed , grow and multiply. Rest well with prayers for your family and friends
I hope the memories of your time with Maddy will sustain you in the days to come.
Much love
Jennifer
What an amazing tribute to your love!
Here I am, thousands of miles away, shedding a tear for someone I never met and even whose name I didn’t know until yesterday. But her character lived across the ether through tales of “The Wife” in your tweets, Victoria.
I hope that closeness, the reciprocated love between you, brings you to a point where your first reaction to Maddy’s name being spoken is overwhelmingly a warm glow and a smile rather than a tear. I know it won’t be for a while, but I’ll keep on praying for both of you, so that it doesn’t take too long.
The greatest loss to society come not from the deaths of famous people of the world doing remarkable work or ones who have memorable achievements. No, the greatest loss comes from the people who live a good and true life and leave little blessings, like the ruby leaves of fall or the fragrant petals of a rose strewn about when they leave.
A beautiful tribute to someone who sounds remarkable. It’s obvious how much she was loved. Praying for her family and loved ones, especially her wife Victoria.
Victoria,
I have not seen you in many years, and yet, when I read your tribute, I felt I was standing in front of the both of you and now know Maddy, your beloved (z”l). BDE (Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet) – may her memory be a blessing and a voice for women to be active, involved, and vote!
Sending you many hugs and Reiki.
What an amazing woman. An incredible life, filled with love, and so well-lived.
Rest well, Maddy. May your loved ones take joy from their memories, and find peace and comfort in shared remembering.
Dear Victoria,
My deepest condolences of the loss of your wife. Reading her obituary was a privilege that I was happy you shared with us. May your memories bring you some comfort.
My prayers are with you and all who loved her.
With the warmest of thoughts
Marianne
I know you from twitter, and was amused and delighted by stories of you and The Wife, until news of her harrowing cancer diagnosis. She fought valiantly until the last. You and Maddy were in my thoughts and prayers everyday, and especially now. Peace and love to you both.
Maddie will be missed – a formidable force for good and strong advocate for felines as well-
I loved every word you wrote. I loved the wife just from your tweets and now I love her even more after reading about her. I can’t stop my tears. I’m so sad for your loss . Her spirit will always be with you.❤️🥲
RIP Maddy 😢
Victoria:
What a wonderful, loving tribute to your beloved wife, Maddy. I follow you on Twitter so I did not know her personally, but every time you posted about her your love and concern for her shone through. She sounds like a phenomenal woman, which means your loss is huge. Much love to you in this harrowing time.
Victoria, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your wonderful tribute to her is so inspiring and I’m so sad I never met her in person since I’ve felt I’ve known her through your loving tweets. I’ve been silently sending healing thoughts throughout the last 6 months that I hope she felt. Stay strong and know your community is holding you in our hearts.
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences. My heart aches for the family especially Victoria. You are in my thoughts.
One of my favorite memories of writing class with Victoria was the arrival of Maddy after a long day of teaching. She’d burst through the door, usually with cat food in tow, and immediately tackle (verbally of course) Victoria with a crackling, teasing, loving exchange about the events of the day. An amazing couple who captivated us!
Wonderful tribute, Victoria.
xoxo
Tears came as I read Victoria’s beautiful tribute to Maddy, aka The Wife. A life well-loved and well-loved, the world was a better place because of you both. Thank you for sharing her, praying for peace and healing for those who loved her.
Twitter’s revenge, no way to edit. Should have said “well-lived and well-loved”.
What an unusually beautiful tribute to a rare and special woman. I am sorry for your loss and hope the day her memory brings smiles before tears will be upon those who love Maddy soon.
I cannot add anything to this beautiful tribute to love and the person who inspired it, except to say that I grieve with you for the loss of this wonderful person, friend, and lover.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
To Victoria and family my deepest condolences. Maddy rest well, you will be missed by all who knew you in person and online.
First, Victoria, my deepest condolences for your loss. Second, thank you for sharing so much about who Maddy was. I’d of course often heard you talking about your wife on Twitter, so it was a delight to learn more about her. I loved learning about her artist parents (has there ever been a name as lovely as Aurora Gold?) I loved learning about Maddy’s passion for teaching and that in her classes, students suddenly could suddenly do things they didn’t think themselves capable of doing. I loved learning that you and Maddy were high school sweethearts who reconnected later in life. Thank you again for communicating so much of who Maddy was with us. I could feel her warmth. Much light and love to you, friend. You are in my thoughts.
The extraordinary number of comments here really says it all. This is how loved Victoria and”the Wife” are. I have followed their journey in health and in sickness. Now we must say farewell to Maddy much too soon. Her obituary is as beautiful as she and really captures the spirit of someone many of us only knew indirectly. May her memory be a blessing and God grant peace to Victoria and all who loved “the Wife”. Please take care of yourself, Victoria!
This is a beautiful tribute, Victoria. While knowing of you on Twitter, it was you speaking of the wife, the heartbreaking sudden illness, and the depths of love that you shared with Maddy. We should all be so fortunate. I’m so sorry. Pam
We celebrate Maddy’s Life and Your Forever Love! Your Twitter devotees have been inspired here in Hollywood, Florida!!! With Love, Chip and Tom (GreenGo)
What a lovely tribute to an amazing woman. Thank you, Victoria, for sharing her with us.
Maddy and I began our deep friendship when I was her student in high school. She taught me to fight the patriarchy and not be afraid to speak up especially when standing up for others. When I moved to Philadelphia for college, she took me in and made sure I was working, well fed, reading, learning about art, listening to music, learning about the stock market, calling out corruption, standing up for equality, and she always kept me on my toes. She was my city mom. She also helped me start my career in the arts and connected me to my first museum jobs. As we grew older, we continued to help each other, but always laughed, teased, ate great meals together and loved life. She helped make me the person I am today, and her voice is in my head always reminding me to do the right thing.
All my love is going to Victoria, Bob, and Mad’s family and friends.
I’m so glad you had that experience with Maddy. She was just a purely generous person–which could be risky. But she loved sharing the good things that she knew and loved–more than anything. Which made her a great teacher–and of course a great friend. And an incredible sister, who I was lucky to get to know better and better. Thanks for your great post and tribute.
I remember those years, and her embrace of you. Good memories.
Wishing you the best.
Bob, Mark and I are sending you, Victoria and your families all the love we can muster.
Victoria, Thank you so much for giving us more context on “The Wife.” Maddy sounds like a wonderful person. I am so sorry for your loss.
Feel I know Maddie and feel the loss of this wonderful person, through your beautiful obituary, Victoria. Though I only know you through Twitter, I am aware how Maddie and your love for one another was such an integral part of the amazing work you do. So sorry such a wonderful warrior, teacher, artist & partner has gone, and hope her memory is forever a blessing that heals your soul. With love and sympathy.
Sorry Victoria – I only knew Maddie through post – what an amazing human being and I so feel for you! Breath – be in the moment.
Maddy
So brave.
You always lit up the room, even in your darkest hours.
Thanks for your love light 🙏❤️🕯
Tess
Such a lovely tribute to Maddy. Even though I have a small Twitter presence, I followed you closely and was always taken with the love and dedication you had for one another and your family. As an RN with over 40 years experience, I was so impressed with the way you took such loving care of her. I hope that knowledge brings you some peace. So much love to you and your family Juli (janns)
I knew Maddy through Victoria’s posts. The love between these two was something beautiful to behold. I am so saddened for Victoria. Losing your soulmate leaves you bereft. I will continue to pray for Victoria, for her health and for her in grief. May Maddy’s memory truly be a blessing.
What a woman Maddy was!! That laugh – that wit!!
She was beloved by all of her students at UArts – though she was hard on them she believed in them and gave them 200% (and expected the same).
Smart, funny, empathetic.
May her memory be a blessing.
Dear Victoria,
I only knew Maddy through you and realized how special she was through your tweets. Your tribute is so moving and I have an even better picture of Maddy. Right now you’re hurting but sometime in the future, memories of Maddy will bring you warm comfort, joy and laughter.
Dearest Victoria,
Each word speaks your love for Maddy. I feel I know her through your loving words. What an amazing woman, what a fully lived life. I am so very sorry for your terrible loss.
Deep condolences to Maddy’s wife, Victoria, friends, and family. This is a beautiful retrospective of life of someone whom we following Victoria on Twitter came to love vicariously.
A beautiful tribute, Victoria. SHe may have left this life too early, but she clearly left a lasting impact.
Rest in peace, Maddie Gold.
Victoria,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. Jim and I loved the time we spent with the two of you. I will always cherish the years of teaching with her, her wonderful laugh and her indomitable spirit.
Only had the pleasure of knowing Maddy through her wife, Victoria, via Twitter. Yet, spanning 2,000+ miles from Philadelphia to Western Colorado; these two amazing women have impacted my life for the better. My heart goes out to her family, friends, colleagues, her many students, and most of all Victoria; as even where there is knowledge of an impending loss, it does nothing to stave off the severity of the pain upon the passing. Such a beautiful obituary, chronicling an absolutely fantastic life; it’s humbling to see how far these two amazing women’s wake is felt on the ocean that is life, all around the world!
Victoria. What a remarkably touching tribute to Maddy. Thank you for sharing who she was with us. Sending love and strength.
Maddy, there aren’t enough words to describe what a fantastic, amazing and giving person you were, to so many!
I’m sorry you had to suffer, at all!
Please know, that it was never in vain.
Rest in paradise, my friend!
Thank you for everything ❤️
Shine on, Maddy, having touched so many. Live on, Victoria, having known such a love. Peace
Maddie your light will always shine through with the love you shared. You will be missed by so many.
Maddy Gold’s students carry her spirit into the world. My mother was a NYC high school music teacher and I saw that same joy, devotion and gratitude whenever we encountered her former pupils somewhere on the street- or in Macy’s – or getting coffee at Chock Full o’ Nuts. I hope you can be comforted by your memories of her big, beautiful life and how it’s continuing in her students.
Ms. Gold was a one of a kind teacher who challenged her high school students to ask ourselves hard questions about following the crowd. She ignited a passion for justice and decency that many of us have made the central work of our lives. Maddy introduced us to women’s studies and combat boots and Almodovar films. Aurora, Victoria, Bob, and family, I am so sorry for your loss and so grateful that your Maddy answered her calling to teach. Her legacy lives on in ways unnumbered.
Sharing her passions was all about who she was–and since I was lucky to be with my sister so much in the last months of her terribly abbreviated life–we got to share so many things we loved, that we never had time to share. Your memories are a great help. I’m so glad part of her love of life–the really good life–is in you.
Maddy, the struggles you and Victoria have so publicly faced have only made your courage and commitment to our country’s better self more inspirational to countless thousands of people. May it encourage them to do the same, so the ripple effects of your life and love will never end. Rest in peace, Maddy. And Victoria, take comfort in the memories and be proud of all you meant to her.
Wow, what a remarkable person, remarkable life, and remarkable love.
Thank you for sharing Maddy with us, Victoria, both as #TheWife on Twitter and now with this beautiful tribute.
Your hearts are entwined forever. Love does not die. My deepest sympathies to you, her family and her friends. May her memory be a blessing.
Victoria, you never talked in great detail about “The Wife,” but it was so clear that as seriously you took the world and as edgy as you are (I LIKE edgy, and snarky.), that every word you wrote about her was written with love and in love. You two had something so special and I wish I had known Maddy. A reminder to us all to cherish time we have with those we lov.
What an incredible obit for a clearly remarkable woman. Maddy, you achieved so much throughout your life and sadly suffered so greatly at the end. For all your many, many achievements, the one that shines over all, was the love you and Victoria clearly shared. It shines so bright, the sun could retire and all the earth could still bask in its light and warmth. I don’t think resting in peace is quite your style, so I hope you dance in heaven until it’s time for Victoria to join you. And then you can fall again into each other’s arms and life together for eternity. I never had the luck to meet you Maddy, but I will never forget you. Steph xx
I am so terribly sorry for your loss, Victoria, but so grateful for this wonderful portrait of your wonderful Maddy. She sounds absolutely smashing, and the love, passion and connection you two share shines through. My deepest condolences – Robin Sweeney
I hope you find peace and comfort in the days, weeks, and years ahead. Clearly, you have lost an extraordinary partner and the price we pay for that kind of love is dear when they are lost. My heart goes out to you. Maddy made the world a better place and that is yours to keep.
Dearest Victoria,
I know you from Twitter only, but it’s always felt as though we’d been friends for years. Please know I am trying my best to send peace and love to you from far away. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, and I am here for anything that I can do for you. You and Maddy are both so blessed to have found one another, and everyone should learn from that love. Warmest hugs, Becky
Maddy was a gift to everyone who knew her. She helped to make the world a better place. May all her exquisite memories carry her friends and family with love. ❤️
Dear Victoria: Thank you for generously sharing your beautiful life and love with all of us on Twitter. I am so sorry for this tragic loss of your Maddy, « The Wife. » What a remarkable woman she was! Your tribute to her is beautiful. May her memory forever be a comfort and a blessing. – LAH/Twitter
What a beautiful life! Maddy you have been an inspiration through the love and writings of Victoria. There is no doubt the steadfast love between the two of you.
Your life journey and your contributions to our society is remarkable.
My virtual hugs of support will remain with Victoria throughout this extremely difficult period.
Your destination has received a treasure. Rest in peace knowing you are loved and admired by so many.
Maddy, may her memory be for a blessing, was my beloved sister-in-law. We’ve known each other from our wild high school days. (Maddy gave the best parties — she was one of the coolest kids at Girls’ High, and although I was younger, she still let me tag along!) Then a few decades later, she came back into my life when she became involved with my sister, Victoria, and all through the years of their loving relationship. Maddy was a strong, vibrant, beautiful and generous woman, a talented artist, a loving aunt to my children and grandchildren, a great friend, and most of all, an extremely loving and devoted wife to my sister, through many years of struggles they’ve endured. She was always kind to me, always told me she loved me, always with a hug, always welcoming. She was funny, smart, quick with her wit, loved cats maybe even more than I do, and was absolutely devoted to my sister. I will always love her and always be very grateful to her for all she did for Victoria. Her courage in her illness was immeasurable. The last time I saw her, she wanted to teach me how to make chili. She couldn’t talk but she showed me — pointing to all the ingredients we needed and showing me each step. I will never make another pot of chili without remembering her words and directions. I wish I had had a chance to tell her how much I loved her, to thank her for all her years of devotion to my sister, and to say goodbye to her properly. But I think she knew. Rest in peace and power, Maddy. I will always love you and I will never, EVER forget you.
Prayers of comfort and healing for Victoria and all who love you Maddy. 💓
It was a pleasure and privilege to teach alongside Maddy. Exuberant, driven, talented, responsive, she amped up the energy in any space you were lucky enough to share. Upon running into Maddy, I never knew where the conversations might end up – but I knew I’d come out the other side smiling, invigorated and still reeling from the exchange. Oh her stories! No one could light up a classroom hallway like Maddie. I’d meet her former students at other schools in the city – each totally different, but all sharing this utter dedication and on-going connection. In reading Victoria’s celebration of life, I am struck by how deeply observed and fully loved Maddy was (the attention to the crystalline, interlocking detail, not unlike one of Maddy’s colorful paintings… positively saturated.) I am so saddened by this loss – I extend my sincere condolences.
I’m so glad you enjoyed her company while teaching. She was so energized by teaching, wherever it was, and it showed in her student’s work. I wish I had sat in on one of my sister’s classes–as I did with our father and mother–but I almost feel as if I did. these stories and memories are great to hear,
What a beautiful obituary and what a loss for the world. It was better with Maddy in it. Grateful for her work and in awe of her relationship with Victoria. May beautiful memories carry and keep Victoria and Maddy’s friends and family.
Sending my deepest condolences. The world has lost a bright light, a warrior for the people. May her memory be a blessing to all, may she inspire others to pick up her torch and do great things. May her loved ones be surrounded by peace, and may they feel her presence and love.
What a beautiful obituary and what a loss for the world. Grateful for her work on so many important causes and in awe of her relationship with Victoria. May beautiful memories carry and keep Victoria and Maddy’s friends and family.
Thank you for sharing The Wife with the world. A beautiful tribute. Following your twitter feed made me feel like I knew you both, and this lovely obituary filled in the gaps. I wish we had been neighbors, to share tea and flowers. Tears are flowing as I type this. May your hearts heal with time as you remember the beautiful memories. (I also saw the Lyle Lovett concert. The Wife had such good taste.) Sending love.
This is a beautiful tribute to Maddy–the way she lived her life and the way she loved. I’m so sorry for her loss to everyone who loves her and especially to Victoria. Grief is a hard road to travel; may you find the support, compassion, and time you need.
Such a beautiful tribute. How sad this is and we will hold your families in our thoughts.
Beautiful tribute. How sad this is and we will hold your families in our thoughts.
What a beautiful tribute to an exceptional person. Maddy was absolutely unforgettable. I always loved visiting with her, her energy, her storytelling, and her infectious laugh. I was grateful for the love she gave me and the time I had with her. I’ll miss her. May her memory be a blessing.
A beautiful tribute. Victoria, I follow you on Twitter and have been so touched by the love you and Maddy had and the devotion and care you gave to her. It is obvious that you both had a beautiful relationship.
May her memory be a blessing!
Rest In Peace, Ms. Gold.
As one of your former students, I can say that you truly touched my life from an early age. Your passion for art and literature was a thing to behold. You are the reason I know the difference between and Manet and Monet, or Pollock and deKooning. Personally, you were a fantastic role model of how to be a strong woman which I still draw on often in my life.
I was recently speaking about you to my 17 year old while we were discussing his Junior English reading assignments. He asked if I read some mundane classics in high school and regaled him with remembrance of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille in the Gothic horror story, Perfume (written by Patrick Suskind), which you had us read in honors English at St Joseph’s in Hammonton NJ. It was not your typical high school readings assignment. In your honor, I will pull it out and read it again some 34 years later. Yes, I still have my original copy. I would never discard “a Maddie Gold” recommended reading.
To Ms. Victoria and to your family and friends, may your memories of her eventually bring more smiles then tears and may her memory always be a revolution!
I still have my book too!! I have gotten my high school girls to read it…
I love hearing about how her teaching–and her great personality–affected her students in NJ. How lucky to have had a teacher like my sister in HS. She had her head bumps there, but she sure loved the kids.
Oh my. What to say about Ms. Gold. I came from a very small South Jersey town to somehow be in an art class with this vivacious woman -who for some reason- commuted from Philadelphia to this small catholic high school. How and why our paths met- it’s something that cannot be explained. One of my favorite memories of our class is when a fellow student was using a gallon pump to put acrylic paint into a cup. She pressed the pump- nothing. she pressed the pump again- nothing. it wasn’t until then that we looked across the room and saw that the pump had squirted acrylic paint across the room directly onto Ms. gold’s immaculate outfit. The look on her face was priceless. How does one swallow laughter in the face of those eyes staring at you?? She is the reason that I had a portfolio. She is the reason I received such a wonderful scholarship. She is the reason that I lived 4 years in Center City Philadelphia after growing up in the suburbs. It opened my eyes. It gave me courage, conviction, and the love of seeing new things and new places. I am also a teacher. I’ve been for 30 years. I am also very outspoken, determined, and not willing to take $&@ from my administration or the BOE when things are ridiculous and nonsensical. Ms. Gold and I shared ideas via the internet. Thank you for the inspiration Ms. Gold, and thank you to all who showed her the love and respect she deserved.
Thank you for this great story. That part of my sister’s teaching life is kind of a black box to me. Glad you chose to teach.
I don’t think I have ever read a more loving tribute. What a wonderful, wonderful woman your wife was—what a light to the world. I am so sorry Maddy is gone but my God, the lives she has touched and changed and bettered! Would that we could all leave this world and take so much love with us…
Victoria, you are in my heart as you face your unimaginable sorrow. Light and Love and Peace to you.
And Maddy, may light perpetual shine upon your beautiful spirit throughout eternity.
Rest In Peace Ms. Gold. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher. You opened my mind to new thoughts and concepts.
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of such a beautiful soul. I never met Maddy in person but I have followed her journey on Twitter and was lucky to see a glimpse of the wonderful person she was. I know that she will be missed immensely. My sincerest condolences to all those who love her and miss her.
May the universe wrap its arms around you both.
It’s 4am–the time that you died, my darling girl. I am here with the emptiness of your loss next to me, instead of you, your photo, instead of you. I am left with the memories of all we did together–in high school, college, our middle age, last week–and I am haunted by all we never got to do: a last kiss, a final goodbye, you in my arms one more time. I will be forever grateful that you refused to take no for an answer, that you pursued me until I fell in love with you, that we had this remarkable journey of decades of so much life, so much joy, so much love. While others found the pandemic suffocating, we grew even closer. We were supposed to have more time. I ache for you, for your amazing presence that even the cruelty of your illness could not diminish. I am a wordsmith, but there are no words to articulate how much I miss you, how my love is even deeper, and how much I hope we will meet again.
“And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed.” ~ Maya Angelou
My heart aches for you and your loss.
May her legacy live on in her students, her art, her social justice work, and the hearts of all who came into her orbit.
It brings me tears to read through these tributes and see how many people LOVED Maddy. I think we would all agree with the statement, “What isn’t there to love about Maddy?” Maddy and Victoria were some of my kiddos biggest fans, often showering him with words of affection and love when he was a baby. It always made my day to hear from them.
She was enthusiastic about life. She was gifted in so many ways. I absolutely loved the artwork that I saw of hers. She will be missed by so many.
Auntie V, what an incredible tribute you wrote. You so brilliantly captured her life and essence. We wish we could be closer to help comfort you during this time but know our hearts are with you daily. Sending so much love.
You are so dearly missed Maddy. You touched so many people. I will never forget your mischievous laugh, your joie de vivre, and all the wonderful times we spent together. You were a wonderful aunt. I miss you terribly.
I had the fortune to be part of the last class of students she taught at St Joe, and she will be missed. Her family and friends have my sympathies.
This is the most beautiful, most loving memory of a life that I have ever read — a true testament to Maddy’s charismatic and affable character, as well as to the boundless love between Maddy and Victoria. I only met Maddy once, but she was so gregarious, so personable, so full of love and so inquisitive about life — all of these qualities I still remember well, and fondly. Plus, I always adore a woman who loves cats. Maddy, you have touched so many of us, and you are deeply missed.
Maddy made a wonderfully welcoming space to explore the artist within us. Her passion was inspiring without intimidating. We enjoyed a special time together to grow both in our artistic endeavors and in our perceptions of the world around us. God gave us all a true gift in the time we had with you. Peace to you and your loved ones.
Ms. Gold was one of my favorite teachers in HS. In the early 80’s her sense of style was something else! She was super smart, knew her subjects and cared about her students. I’m very sorry to hear she has died and even sorrier about how it sounds the last few months of her life were. But this eulogy celebrates her entire life and reminds us of all the reasons her spirit will live on.
Hi Betsy. So glad you had my sister as part of your HS experience. I remember how much she loved her students and wanted to make it a special experience.
Descansa en paz y amor.
I hope one day I’ll find a love like yours
I also didn’t know Mandy, except through her wife Victoria’s tweets. She sounds like a very beautiful woman who touched many people’s lives with joy and intelligence. This is a lovely tribute that, as they all do, never tell the entire tapestry of a life lived well and with so much love.
My wife and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Maddy’s family and loved ones, especially to Victoria who spoke of her often. I didn’t know Maddy, except through Victoria’s writing, but it was clear that she was special and was very, very loved. God bless you both.
What a lovely tribute. Would that we would all live half so well. My deepest condolences for such a momentous loss – it it clear the world is better for having had her in it.
Dear Victoria,
You are an amazing writer. I feel I’ve gotten to know Maddie and I thank you for that. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is but you will always have the memories and knowledge that you were able to experience such a great love.
Please take good care of yourself.
Love,
Lisa Rogers
Correction and apologies, Maddy!
Victoria: This is such a beautiful tribute to such a beautiful love. I know it hurts so much right now. Your love for and devotion to Maddy came through in your tweets every single time. Thank you for letting all of us in. Be special and keep fighting!
Maddy was my friend, my mentor and a lovely passionate caring human that I felt so lucky to have known the last 12 years. I am still stunned that she is no longer here but her presence will always exist in my heart. The last things she said to me was about the election, cat gifs and told me that Drexel was lucky to have me. We were all lucky to have her, even if it wasn’t for as long as we wished for.
My deepest sympathies for her family, friends and her dear wife Victoria.
Victoria, such a beautiful tribute you’ve written in memory of your precious wife, Maddy. I feel I knew her through your writing. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time and in the days going forward.
Brenda
In the late 1980s, age 13, my mom kicked me out and told me I had to live with my dad in South Jersey. It was only about an hour drive away, but it felt like a million miles for this North Philly born and bred street kid. I’d never taken a school bus before, never attended a school where smart kids were mocked and bullied (I’d taken 7 & 8 grade as part of Masterman’s 7-2 class). I went from public magnet to Catholic institution, and with all my emotional turmoil, that year as a 10th grader was the worst year I ever had. Miss Gold was my home room teacher. She has short glossy black hair and wore big earrings and funky, cool clothes, totally different from any of the other teachers at this suffocating place. I found out she lived in Philly and drove to Jersey everyday. This connection to Philly seemed so significant to me, so desperate was I for a life-raft in that sea of misery.
I was very ahead of my peers in math, and the math teacher seemed to hate me for it, a skinny 13yo too big for her britches. She nitpicked me and bullied me as much as any student. I mostly kept my head down, but I was still Philly, and once this teacher pushed me too hard and I scrawled “F*** you” at the top of a quiz and dropped it on her desk. I was suspended, of course. When I was finally permitted to return to school the following week, as Miss Gold was taking roll, she noticed my return and fixed her gaze on me. She said, “Back from suspension? I understand you told Ms xxxc to fuck off.” I turned pink and probably just gave the faintest nod. She stared a me a moment longer, then said, “Good for you.” And crisply went on with roll. It was such a moment for me. I was getting very little in the way of adult affirmation in those days, and to have it come from this ultra-cool teacher…it was a balm to my injured soul.
Rest in power, Miss Gold. You probably never knew all the impacts you had. Thank you for that moment – I’ll never forget it. And when I became a teacher, I made sure I was the kind of teacher who would tell a kid, “Good for you” when the situation called for it.
It brings tears to my eyes–that my sister had that in her, and that you took the time to share it. She took chances. Rest in power, indeed. Thank you for letting me start the day in tears for my beautiful sister.
Truly a life well-lived. My condolences to all who knew her. Victoria, we feel your grief. Sending love and strength.
I’m deeply sorry to hear of her passing but I feel blessed having read such a beautiful tribute – I can feel the love from her and from you. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Victoria..my appreciation of your gift of celebration and love of Maddy and the love she had for you is a lesson in intimacy few achieve. Thank you for sharing Maddy with a complete stranger, a gift that can not be measured in words. Bless you and know that that Maddy is at Peace and is loving you still, as you love her.
Victoria..my appreciation of your gift of celebration and love of Maddy and the love she had for you is a lesson in intimacy few achieve. Thank you for sharing Maddy with a complete stranger, a gift that can not be measured in words. Bless you. My Condolences to her family and all who loved her.
Victoria..my appreciation of your gift of celebration and love of Maddy and the love she had for you is a lesson in intimacy few achieve. Thank you for sharing Maddy with a complete stranger. Bless you. My Condolences to her family and all who loved her.
Sunday nights have always been bad for me. When you got sick, Mad, Sunday nights became a minefield of anxiety. What would Monday’s meeting with the oncologist bring. How bad would the side-effects of tge chemo be when you came home? This is the hardest time without you, my darling, Mad. This late hour when I should be sleeping, because I am overwrought and exhausted by grief. You died at 4am. Suddenly. Without warning. Without us having time for the goodbyes we never said and never thought we’d have to say. This is the time when you would wake up and we would talk in the dark and I would remind you that the tumors were shrinking, that your terrible pain which had debilitated you so before your diagnosis, had been nearly ended by the chemo and radiation. This is the time when you would often have the most energy. You would sometimes go to the kitchen and make us food. So there we would be, eating pasta or ramen concoctions at 4 or 5am and talking. Now I am here alone. I have covered your side of the bed with books and all the copybooks full of notes that you wrote when you couldn’t talk. Notes with menus that you planned for Saturday night bubble dinners with me and Judith. Or nights when we were alone and you wanted to be sure I was fed properly because none of our close friends cook. As one little strip of paper you gave me says, “When food is bad, Mad is sad.”
It’s now the 9th day since you left and I hold your photo close and remember how soft your hand was in mine as we lay here together. I once wrote on Twitter that there was nothing as intimate as my holding your hand in the dark. What I wouldn’t give to kiss that soft hand one more time. To fall asleep with your hand in mine. To reach out in the dark and touch you, not your photo, beside me.
Hundreds of people have written to you here, my darling girl. Students from St. Joe’s and UArts and Drexel whose lives you imprinted and changed. Some of our friends and family. Colleagues you taught with. Folks from Twitter who shared in our journey. It’s an amazing testament to how wide your reach was and how many people loved you.
I miss you, my sweet love. I miss how you filled up our whole life with all that you are. I don’t know how to be in the world without you, to navigate the vastness of how empty things are without you here. For 23 years we were never, ever apart. You never left the house without my telling you I loved you and telling you to be safe.
Be safe, my darling. My love is with you always. As you texted me just hours before you left, loving you forever. –Victoria
Sunday nights are the hardest nights. A night filled with sadness and anxiety. You always helped me with that, my darling Mad. But now there is just this powerful swirl of grief where you should be. I keep writing that grief is an undertow because it catches you up, unawares, and then it pulls you down into its dark morass. This time, these hours before dawn, they are the worst. These were the hours where we talked and held each other close before you were sick and then after, you would often wake up, hungry, with a burst of energy, and you would go make us food. So there we would be, eating pasta or some noodle concoction at 4 or 5am. You were always worried about my getting food when you were sick because none of our friends cook. I have a little slip of paper on which you wrote, “When food is bad, Mad is sad.”
After we ate, we would lie in the dark and talk about everything from politics to our life together. I would hold your soft hand and we would fall back asleep like that for a few hours. What I wouldn’t give to kiss your hand again and fall asleep with you, your hand in mine.
The breadth of my loss seems to grow each day. The long, long hours without you threaten to swallow me me up. At times I think I shall never stop sobbing. I miss you so much, Mad. I miss everything about us. The night you passed you texted me “loving you forever” and I texted back, “loving YOU forever.” This is me, loving you forever and always. Until I see you again, my darling girl, I shall keep writing you these missives so you know how loved you are. –Victoria
Victoria, Family and Friends of Maddy.
I am so heartbroken reading the news of Maddy’s Passing.
Maddy and I were young pups together, first meeting at college when we were nineteen years old. We were painting majors together at the old PCA. We spent a lot of time together in the studios, bonding in our mutual isolation from other students and their various cliques. We would take breaks together on the fire escape on Broad and Spruce streets while listening to recording sessions upstairs at Gamble Huff and Bell studios. We laughed and supported each other in our endeavors to become artists.
After I returned from many years away in the late 90’s we again found ourselves at PCA, by then the University of the Arts, teaching both summer session classes and Foundations classes. These past years we were again teaching side by side at Drexel University.
One thing we continued to do into our adulthood was to laugh together, and nobody had such a unencumbered laugh like Maddy. We recounted our youth together and reveled in being art survivors and more then that, friends for life.
I will never forget her for the rest of my days. I love you Maddy Gold!
-Stuart Fineman
I’m sure my sister loved re-connecting with you again and again. You guys sure needed that sense of humor–and irony–in the art teaching “business.” As a music teacher I traded some stories with her, but I never entered the adjunct oblivion that so many gifted art teachers like you guys have dealt with. Thanks for posting. I’m sure she loved you too.
To all the well wishers who only knew Maddy through Victoria’s twitter account–please accept my thanks for your kindness. Maddy and I talked about the kind wishes that were coming through Victoria’s account during her struggles, and we celebrated that there were so many people who wanted to heal and help, and just had a basic goodness in them. I think in this particular time–and with the fact that twitter is not always a conduit for decency and kindness–Maddy and I had our spirits warmed by the responses. The postings on this incredible page would have melted her heart. Your kindness is a well placed; and the healing messages from so many that we’ll never meet are simply miraculous.
The foxes are calling again tonight, my darling Mad. They have been calling every night. I’m remembering a few weeks ago when we found out that sound was foxes. How startling it was. Foxes calling to us late into the night.
I found a video today of you dancing with Theo when Josh and Bonnie came to visit with him right before the pandemic. You are so you–playful and funny. It’s mere seconds, but it’s just this burst of you and I am so grateful to have it.
My friend Malcolm tells me that I will miss you and cry for you for a long time, but that this is how grief works. Today I spoke to the BBC about you in an interview. I told them we were the loves of each other’s lives. Malcolm says, “Remember, she misses you too. She’d rather be here with you, but it’s out of your control.” My worst event–things out of my control. The other widows and widowers on Twitter have been so kind to me, inviting me into this terrible club. Malcolm said, “The more you grieve, the more you loved her.” I am grieving so deeply. You were always there to help me through grief–I don’t know how to do this without you next to me. There are so many people touched by our story, by the breadth of our love for each other. It’s an incredible outpouring of love and caring for you, for us. You are so beloved, my darling girl–by everyone. But I love you more. Sending kisses to you, my hand in yours always. –Victoria
Maddy–I called her #TheWife on Twitter to protect her from any blowback due to my political reporting–always asked me if I’d thanked folks who sent us messages of hope, healing and support. I always did. It had become such an important aspect of our lives. So many of you have sent me messages–over 10,000 on Twitter and hundreds here–and that kindness will keep me going in the coming weeks as I read them. Please know how much I appreciate your support of us both over this very challenging year. The more messages I read from you all about Maddy/#TheWife, the more grateful I am that I have talked about her on Twitter for years and that I shared our recent cancer journey. Too many of you have sustained similar losses from this monster disease. Thank you all for holding me afloat. I am deeply grateful. Maddy would also be so proud and humbled by how many former students and colleagues have written here of her impact on their lives. It’s been so moving for me and our family to read these messages. It’s a blessing to know that she had the impact she always strived for. Thank you. –Victoria
Usually on Thanksgiving Eve Maddy would be cooking–making sure the turkey was unfrozen, baking pies, making stuffing because it was always better reheated. So it’s not just quiet and empty here without her, it’s not Thanksgiving without her. Our first Thanksgiving together in 1999 was just the two of us. It was quiet and romantic and intimate. I’ve been a vegetarian since high school, so I made her her first (and only) vegetarian Thanksgiving. It was lovely. Candlelight and jazz and us holding hands across the table. It’s as vivid a memory as if it were last week, not 23 years ago. While you were sick, we often reminisced about the past and things we had done together. Over the years we had so many different Thanksgivings together. We had that Thanksgiving at my sister’s where she got tofurkey for me and Shiffy who had turned vegetarian at 5. And it was so incredibly terrible that I had to spit it into my napkin, but pretend to eat it because she had gone to so much trouble to add that to the meal. And then all the raucous musical Thanksgivings at your brother’s where we all played instruments after dinner while he played piano. And then after I could no longer go there due to the steps, the dinners you made here for our lesbian family–Judith, Roberta and Martha–something I had always done for years. It was a holiday that we loved and that brought us joy. And then after dinner, you and Martha would put up the Christmas tree. All these rituals built over so many years of our life together. It will be very quiet and empty here without you, my darling girl, my sweetheart. But my memories of all those Thanksgivings with you and how wonderful they were–those will be with me forever. Missing you so much.–Victoria
I haven’t been on Twitter much the last few weeks so I’m was so sorry to read about your loss this morning. Your love for each other came through in all of your posts. You were both lucky to have each other. Most people don’t get to live such a wonderful love story. Don’t let the haters bring you down. Sending warms thoughts,
I do not know what I can say that has not been said by so many others who have posted such eloquent and loving tributes. As Maddy’s cousin, I can confirm that everything said about her and the person she was is true. Maddy was in some ways larger than life, her artistic talents, her sense of humor, her love of life, her compassion, concern and unwavering commitment to her students, and of course her convictions, there was no holding back, she was all of that. I think it is fair to say, she was a social justice warrior long before the term became popular.
Maddy did indeed pass way before her time. All of us who knew her either as a relative, friend, student, sibling, spouse or daughter, have a deep sense of loss and sadness. But looking back on her profoundly impactful and productive life we have to acknowledge that having Maddy in our lives was a blessing for which we are forever grateful.
Many of our last conversations were about the times we had growing up, surrounded by the love at our grandparents, with cousins, and somewhat eccentric uncles–not your dad!–and unbelievable food–which seemed to hold it all together. In a time of exhausting sadness, these memories are so valuable, and a reminder that we’re a part in making such memories for the next generation.
Maddy rold me many stories over the years about cooking with her Italian grandmother as a little girl. These memories were so vivid for her and she made them vivid for me. She would cook a tomato sauce (which she called gravy like all true Italians ) and deem it perfect if it was “like my Italian grandmom’s.” The time Maddy got to share childhood memories with Bob at those arduous chemo Mondays were treasured times for her that she was often eager to share when she got home. “Bob and I were talking about when we were kids and…” I knew Maddy from the time we were 13, so I have some memories of the Gold household when we were teenagers, but I never met the Gold or Vannelli grandparents. Maddy was such a storyteller, though, she brought them vividly to life. I’m so glad you are sharing more here. I think those memories of four immigrant grandparents also gave her insights into her students’ lives when she taught at St. Joe’s also. because so many of them had similar backgrounds as children or grandchildren of immigrants. I think Muddy would love reading all these reminiscences. ❤
*autocorrect chose to change Maddy’s name again and I missed correcting one back. Oy. So sorry my sweetheart. ❤
I want to Extend my sympathies to you for the loss of your beautiful wife.Jill and I will be praying for you.
Thank you for your kind message, which I will relay to the entire family.
Thank you so much President Biden and Dr. Jill. Maddy was a stalwart lifelong Democrat who never missed an election and had just voted for John Fetterman to help promote your agenda mere days before her sudden and untimely death. Maddy appreciated all the work that the Biden-Harris Administration is doing for LGBTQ families like ours. Your response to our great loss at this time of immense grief is most appreciated. I know you understand all too well what it is like to lose a spouse suddenly and unexpectedly at the holidays. Thank you for taking the time to reach out to our family at this time. You have spoken often of the empty chair at the table. The empty chair where my wife of 23 years sat is one that cannot be filled. But the light my beloved Maddy shined in this world was a beacon. And her legacy will continue to shine on. ❤️
Maddy sounds like she was an exceptional person and wife and teacher and believer in human rights and last but not least animal lover. Rest in peace dear soul.
Sending condolences from an old childhood friend of Maddy’s. I so appreciate reading these stories from all those whose lives she touched and to hear of the love and care that surrounded her. I was extremely lucky to meet Maddy in childhood. My memories come from a friendship bonded in kindergarten on the school playground. I was warmly welcomed into her home, learning about art and music and Italian cooking, and, as we got older, spending many hours listening to the latest albums that Maddy had acquired and about which she had passionate opinions. That passion was not limited to music and art but extended, at an early age, to equity and justice. I remember her organizing a protest demanding to be able to wear pants to school and, in celebration, making our own bell bottoms on her mom’s sewing machine because the stores just did not have what we wanted. I remember her humor, her fire, her outrage, her talent, her compassion and how she embraced, even at a young age, the joys of life. Knowing Maddy enriched my life at a pivotal time and I cherish the memories of our adventures together.
So great to see this message from you, Susan. Maddy and I were talking about you quite a bit over the summer. She regaled me with accounts of your incredible adventures going to hear music. We had some of the best talks and laughs ever talking about those days. All that cool stuff you were doing, while I was busy being the younger nerd brother. I sure hope you’re well, wherever you’ve landed. Thanks for the great stories and memories.
Thank you, Susan, for this message. We haven’t seen each other since high school, but I know you remember those trips that we went on as Maddy introduced us to jazz in West Philly. (You we’re always the driver!) Maddy told me lots of stories about your adventures back in the Henry School days, too. You were a major figure in Maddy’s coming of age and all her memories of you and the times the three of us were together retained a vividness that took me right back to your house and those amazing wild and utterly fun times.
Such a beautiful tribute. I feel so blessed just be reading this. Sending my love and prayers to you Victoria and the rest of the family. I know Maddy will be forever missed.
Every night I come here near 4am–the time my beloved sweetheart died–to send Maddy messages, comment on other people’s messages, all to stay as close to Maddy as I can. Tonight it is two weeks since she died so suddenly. Our days and nights were so intertwined with each other, the absence of you is everywhere. Grief is an undertow. Every day I swim parallel to the shoreline, waiting for you to save me from the breadth of this sadness, my darling girl. All these messages, all these memories, they are keeping afloat, as does the depth of my love for you. The last thing you texted me, just hours before you left me, “loving you forever,” with my favorite kitten gif. I replied, “loving YOU forever.” This is me, loving you forever and always. 💔
I have come to know Victoria and the love of her life, Maddie, over the years through Twitter. Thank you for allowing the world to witness such a deep and profound love shared between two amazing humans. My sincere condolences to Victoria, friends, and family of Maddie. She was a brave and valiant fighter. Victoria, you have created an extended family of strangers that love you both and will continue to surround you in prayer. May her memory forever be a blessing.
To say I’m sorry for your loss or may her memory be a blessing seems so inadequate. I am happy that you and the wife found each other in the universe and loved each other. She must have been the most amazing person in the world to inspire such beautiful writing. I hope you can take some solace in knowing that you were able to share her with millions of people. I am not a writer and hope I have not written anything offensive or insensitive – I just wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss.
Victoria,
My heart aches for you for such a loss. I know only of you both through the remarkable stories you share, but in those, you have given us all a shining example of
endurance, compassion, strength, and true love.
Wishing you courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart forever.
In faith, love and friendship, Ahsoka
May Maddy’s extraordinary spirit and light be a lasting solace and comfort to all of you who loved her so dearly. May she live forever in your hearts. I didn’t know her or her wife Victoria, but have been so moved by her story shared by her wife’s writings. I would consider myself most fortunate, when I pass, to have someone write even a tenth of such wonderful memories shared here. Wishing blessings and good health to her family and loved ones.
I hope you know that by sharing her story you have magnified her light to touch us all. 🕯✨
I knew Maddy through Victoria’s tweets. I would never have known either IRL because of life & my disabilities. I enjoyed reading of their experiences together and was happy for them both to share love, respect, and a special bond that seemed almost magical. I pray for Maddy as she journeys over the rainbow and for Maddie’s friends, students, and loved ones. I know they are going through a difficult time.
Maddy sounds perfect. Your tribute to her is perfect. What a wonderful life she lived. Sending hugs.
A life well lived. A love well loved. Victoria, you have honored Maddy beyond measure with this beautiful obituary. May her memory be a blessing. Love from one of your many friends/fans/family on Twitter. Rest in power, Maddy.
Loss is a shadow that follows you far
and in the dark,
it knows where you are.
In front or behind you,
some others can see,
long or short, wherever it can be,
it drags beside you
with never a sound.
Laughs can escape it,
and smiles wither a frown.
In scattered bright light where friendship abounds,
shadows are lost and love resounds.
Rick Moore, February, 2022
Every night I come here to read these messages from the people who loved Maddy. It helps me to be close to her, to stay in the warmth of her love and her aura of humor and intellect and the little tidbits she shared with me every day of things she had read or heard. Our home is so empty without her. My heart is so empty without her. Sundays were our family time. We would do house things together, have dinner, watch Masterpiece Mystery. Before I was paralyzed, we went out on Sundays. Sometimes to dinner, sometimes to a movie, sometimes to a craft store where Maddy would look at paints and I would look at yarn. It was so much fun to just talk in the car and listen to music. In the autumn Maddy would drive us to Valley Green. She hated the woods, but I loved them, so she would go with me and we would sit by the Wissahickon Creek and just talk and breathe in the crisp autumn air. After Thanksgiving we drove around looking at Christmas lights. I dragged her to the Lucia Fest at Old Swedes Church every year, the first weekend after Thanksgiving. We would take my nieces and then her niece and nephew to see the lights. We took my mother in law– I would drive so Maddy could point out our favorite lights down in South Philly or up in Roxborough. We would go to Stag & Doe nights in Chestnut Hill if we weren’t teaching. We both loved the whole season. Maddy called me Mrs. Claus because I would make Christmas gifts for our families and close friends. Every year she would buy fabulous Christmas cards at little specialty shops and she always gave me the best cards. She had already bought an amazing card for her mother for this year, even as she said it was too early. “No Christmas before Thanksgiving!” All these little pieces of our life together. But the most important piece, my beloved wife Maddy, is not here. Thinking of you and missing you so much, Mad. Loving you forever, my darling, darling girl. 💔❤💞
These words touched me so deeply. Maddy sounds like an incredible, wonderful woman. How blessed all were to have known her. I am so very sorry for your loss. Her life has touched mine now through your beautiful words. ❤️
I only knew of Maddy through Victoria’s tweets. This is such a powerful and moving tribute. The deep love Victoria and Maddy shared for more than two decades, through childhood and adulthood, is truly touching. It is wonderful to see how deeply Maddy touched so many lives, including those of her students through the years. My condolences to Victoria, Bob, Aurora and all who loved Maddy. Sending you all light and love.
Thinking of you, my darling Mad. I miss you so much it is often hard to catch my breath as grief threatens to swallow me up and pull me under. There are so many things in a day I want to share with you. I watched Christmas at Rockefeller Center without you. That was hard. On the weekend Martha is going to have to put the tree up without you. So no funny pics of the two of you, like usual. Everything is hard without you. Everything reminds me of your absence and how large it looms. I ache to pull you into my arms one more time. Loving you forever, sweetheart. Missing you madly. Always. ❤💞 —Victoria
Writing about you and to you this morning, my darling girl. I was up all night, unable to sleep, trying to fend off the most vicious wave of grief yet. Grief is a rogue wave that hits you when you turn your back, thinking it is done with you. There is so much I want to tell you. I love you. I miss you. So so so much.
“Once your girl, always your girl.” — Victoria
Victoria, your loving and passionate description of Maddy has brought her to such vivid life…and the picture of the beautiful lives you shared over such a span of time, the love you shared, who she was, how remarkable she was. What a force of nature!…although though the magic of your words she still here, working her magic. Sending so much love to you. I am here for you, if ever you need me. Thank you again for this. Lizzie
Maddy was an incredible force of nature. She made everyone feel comfortable with her warmth and humor. As someone that often taught alongside her over the years, it was always wonderful to see how she was like a maternal source of love to her students; everyone felt hugged. It was always sincere.
How is it a whole month since you left us, Maddy? I’ve gotten messages from so many people who are thinking of you and missing you. But no one will ever miss you as much as I do. These nights, as the Christmas lights sparkle, I want your sparkle near me. Your spark. All those Christmases we spent together. I would give anything to spend this Christmas with you. Loving you always, my sweetheart, my darling girl. ❤💔
It’s New Year’s Eve, my darling Mad. There was a glitch on this page and I couldn’t post to you on Christmas. Christmas Eve was one of the loneliest days and nights of my life. I ached for a card from you (no one sent me cards this year…) and the message of love inside. I ached for one of the small special gifts from you. So many special things we shared. I missed you cooking on Christmas Eve. I missed those sounds and smells in the house. I missed watching Mass from the Vatican with you. I missed wishing you a Merry Christmas. I missed your excitement opening gifts from me. I missed everything about you and us and our holidays. And now I am missing being with you on New Year’s Eve. The days and nights are so long. The house is so empty. I am missing watching the fireworks with you. Missing our Happy New Year’s kiss. Missing the thought of starting a new year with you, a new chapter of our lives together. I ache for you every day, every night. I miss you every night, every day. I love you every day, every night. I love you forever. I will keep writing to you and about you until we meet again. Happy New Year, my darling girl, my sweet sweet love. Happy New Year. 💔❤💞
You have painted a wonderful word picture of the woman you loved. Thank you for sharing Maddy with us. Best wishes to you Victoria to find peace through your grief.
Oh Maddy–how is a new year starting without you?
I am trying to make a resolution to just spend 2023 memorializing you, but it’s so hard to be in this world without you. Just so hard. I miss you so deeply it’s painful. This has been a hellish holiday season, all alone, without you. Loving you forever, my darling, with my whole heart. Until we meet again. xo–Victoria
“Your absence has gone through me
Like thread through a needle.
Everything I do is stitched with its color.” –W.S. Merwin
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your beloved Maddy has so moved me…I just don’t know where to begin. This year is my 60th birthday, and I’ve been with my husband 41 years….since 1982!! Just don’t know what I’d do without him. Please accept my deepest condolences, I so feel for you.
Another Friday dawns, my darling girl, and as always I am stunned that you are not here with me. Every Friday I replay that final Friday of our life together and try not to go a little crazy with what ifs. I just wrote a piece about you and the Superbowl–our Eagles are headed to Arizona, baby!–for the Inquirer. This weekend I write a story about the first Valentine’s Day without you, followed by my first birthday without you. Some things make my heart break all over again. I’m here in the dark, in our bed, missing you, aching for you, so very lost without you, adrift in this sea of grief that has displaced where you should be. People grow impatient with grief and wonder when you’re going to stop talking about it. I don’t think that time is foreseeable for me. You were my heart. My love for you is as vivid and pulsing and alive as it has always been, even though you are no longer here with me. We are at that hour when you left us. I am destined to be awake at this hour forever, it seems. I just need you to know, wherever you are, that my love for you is boundless. Always and forever. 💞💞💞
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Victoria, when I was in high school my parents moved us to Elm NJ from Philadelphia. I had a difficult time adjusting to life in a rural town living in the boonies. I knew I was a lesbian. I was a nerd. The kids in Hammonton had been together since preschool. There was no way this chubby, zit-faced girl had a chance. I think it was in my junior year Ms. Gold came to St. Joe’s to teach. I had her for language arts. She always was full life! It was my favorite part of the day. I was fascinated that this cool teacher car-pooled with some other teachers all the way from Philly to Stratford NJ to Hammonton NJ. Being in her presence gave me hope that some day I too would be in the world and be me and be ok. She had the biggest smirky-smile and laugh. I thought she was so cool from her hair style to her on point make up. Her style was chic and classy. I have fond memories of Maddy Gold. I am ok because of many women who were models for me and demonstrated that it’s ok to be who you are. Even if you are a square peg. Honestly she was a light in that school for that kid and I am sure for other kids as well.
I was so lucky to have Ms. Gold a beautiful human; who when I was her presence, I felt her acceptance and joy for life. I remember her smile and laughter. I can still see her leaning on the desk and placing her hand to her chin with her eyes and her open mind. I knew even than she was a force. I am sorry for your loss. May Maddy’s memory be a blessing. I will be lifting you up in prayer. 💓
Thank you, Carla Rae, for the thoughtful tribute and memories. I wish Maddy could read the beautiful tributes from you and other students from that time in her life, when she was becoming such an open-hearted and influential teacher. As her brother I can tell you that she was never not herself. Not always such an easy proposition in life. My guess is that people like you have, in your own way, passed on the sentiments that you saw in her, one generation to the next.
Oh Maddy– here I am at 5am on the first Valentine’s Day without you. My heart is breaking all over again. I can’t sleep. All the beautiful cards you made me or found in little specialty shops in town. I want to gather them all up and hold them, just so I can feel your love all around me. I am writing this through tears, aching for you. I would do anything to hold you one last time. To kiss you. To feel your soft hand in mine. Run my hand through your hair, your head on my chest. I’m devastated without you. Riven. Adrift. Unmoored. It’s so empty here without you. My birthday is next week and the thought of how much time there might be without you crushes me. I can hardly breathe with the thought of it. I hope you know how much I love you. I miss you beyond measure. Happy Valentine’s Day my darling girl. You are my heart. I love you. Madly. Kisses–Victoria 💋💞❤💔