Susan M Chadwick

Susan M Chadwick

January 21, 1974 - October 24, 2025

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Obituary

PORTAGE/MADISON - Susan M. Chadwick, age 51, of Portage, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on January 21, 1974, in Madison, the daughter of William Chadwick and Gail Wagner.


Susan was a dedicated mother and homemaker and filled her children’s lives with love and care.


Susan loved animals and volunteered for the Dane County Humane Society. It was there that she met Sara, her Pitbull, who helped her with her health.


Susan loved to shoot pool and play darts. She was very creative and enjoyed crafting, scratch art, sketching and painting. She was an avid reader and a giant Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. She would go with her mom to the Dells for taffy, stop for a sandwich at Subway and make their way to the State Park and have a picnic lunch and sometimes would stop at the casino. She always looked forward to family trips, whether they were road trips to Graceland or seeing the Bears in the UP or camping when her boys were younger.


Susan is survived by her life partner, Mike Helsell; sons, Stephen (Jessica) Birkeland, Cody (Korina) Birkeland and Michael (Taryn) Helsell Jr.; grandchildren, Evelyn Faircloth-Birkeland and Barron Birkeland; parents, Gail and William; brother, Billy (Lisa Fox) Chadwick; stepsisters, Tammy Wagner and Cara Hillmer; former husband, Ole Birkeland; and many other family and friends.


She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Richard Wagner; aunts, Faith Kind-Weum, Bonnie Riddle and Sharon Whitford; uncles, Winston Whitford and Mike Chadwick; paternal grandparents, William and Louise Chadwick; maternal grandparents, Helen and Windy Whitford; and cousins, Steven Kind and Amy Johnson.


A Celebration of Susan’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 12 noon until 4 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. The family wishes to thank the staff in the ICU at SSM St. Mary's Hospital for all the wonderful care given to Susan and her family. Susan was able to be a donor, and her family was able to be a part of her honor walk.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Events

07
Celebration of Life
Fri Nov 7, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
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Susan
AC
A Memorial Tree was planted for Susan M. Chadwick
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
TD
Tracie Davis
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Sending condolences to Susie’s family and friends. May she rest in peace.
DH
Debbie Henry-McCormick
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Dear Gail, Bill and Billy, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Susan was a great childhood friend to me. She was kind, fun and loved to laugh We enjoyed taking little adventures around the neighborhood on our bicycles. Dinners at each other's homes and lots of sleepovers. I remember going to the Zoo, camping trips, Roller-skating rink and time with all of you and your extended family gathered around while you played the accordion and other musical instruments. Lots of Birthday Partys, Susan and I had close birthdays. Susan and I also loved listening to music. Jenni Drake-Figgy was a very good neighbor friend as well. We were the three Amigos. On weekends we were usually at Susan's house, Jenni's house or my house goofing around and being kids. Our Moms would know to either call the Drakes, Chadwicks or Henry's home to find out where their daughter was. Susan and I also spent a lot of time together in classes at Gompers Middle School. We had similar ways of learning, and we would often be paired together in class. I really enjoyed my childhood time growing up with Susan. I have very fond loving memories of her that will live on in my heart forever. Rest in Peace sweet Suzie. Love, Debbie Henry-McCormick

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