Rhonda Spaeni

Spaeni, Rhonda ReneeMADISON-Heaven received another angel when Rhonda Renee Spaeni, age 54, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2009, at the Ellen and Peter Johnson HospiceCare Residence, after a brief battle with ovarian cancer. Rhonda was born in Madison on June 29, 1955, to Frederick \"Fritz\" and Donna (Lange) Spaeni. Rhonda attended Sherman Elementary and Junior High, graduating from East High School with the class of 1973. She worked for several Madison companies over the years, American Family Insurance, East Madison Clinic, CUNA Card Services, Davis Duehr Dean, HospiceCare, and UW Health. In 2008, Rhonda spent time on the road with her \"honey,\" Pat Ryan, a truck driver. In January, after being out of school 35 years, she began classes at Madison Area Technical College in the culinary arts program, and was particularly proud to make the Dean\'s List. She was an outstanding cook and her dream was to share her love and talent of cooking with others (her lasagna was the best!). Rhonda is survived by her daughter, Melissa; her best friend and fianc, Pat Ryan; her brother, Gary (Sharon Fallon) and his step-daughter, Jenny (Julio) Rios and their daughters, Ariana, Alyssa and Rylee, all of Madison; her sister, Thea (Gary) Hefty and their daughter, Kristina (her auntie\'s \"lovey\") and her fianc, Tony Anderson, all of Rogers, Minn.; Rhonda\'s good friend and housemate, Connie Ryan; Pat\'s children, Shannon (Jason) Balousek and Nathan; his grandchildren, Toby and Travis (whom Rhonda loved dearly); his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Patty Ryan; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Dennis Jorenby; his mother, Marion Ryan; and many other friends and relatives. In addition to her parents, preceding her in death were her grandparents; several other relatives; and her life-long friend, Joan McConnell Bennett. Rhonda was first and foremost a people person and a genuine friend to those who got to know her. She will forever be remembered for her laugh, her love of life, and for being true to herself. Family and friends are invited to share special memories at a gathering to celebrate Rhonda\'s life on Sunday, July 26, 2009, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Ruth Solie dining room and garden at the DON AND MARILYN ANDERSON HOSPICECARE CENTER, 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg. In lieu of flowers/plants, memorials to the family would be appreciated. A special thank you to those who visited, called, or sent flowers, and to those who cared for her at Meriter Hospital, and especially at HospiceCare.\r\n Gunderson EastFuneral and Cremation Centers5203 Monona Drive(608) 221-5420www.gundersonfh.com\r\n Memorials: In lieu of flowers/plants, memorials to the family would be appreciated. A special thank you to those who visited, called, or sent flowers, and to those who cared for her at Meriter Hospital, and especially at HospiceCare. Service: Family and friends are invited to share special memories at a gathering to celebrate Rhonda\'s life on Sunday, July 26, 2009, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Ruth Solie dining room and garden at the DON AND MARILYN ANDERSON HOSPICECARE CENTER, 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg.