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

Susan M Chadwick

January 21, 1974 - October 24, 2025

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