by Kent Ireton
Madeline Burnett, known to many as just "Mady," passed away on May 15th due to complications from pneumonia. She was 47 years old and she leaves behind her husband, Doyle Burnett and her guide dog Savannah, her mother and sisters as well as many extended family and friends.
Madeline had a longtime association with the Alaska Center for the Blind as a student, a volunteer and an employee. Among other things, she taught home management and Braille and was a community resource specialist. Mady was a very giving, high spirited and compassionate woman, who shared of her time and talents freely. She dealt with many health challenges in her life including diabetes, a kidney transplant, and blindness. She was born in Los Angeles, went to high school, lived and worked in Juneau for many years before moving to Anchorage in the early '90s. She was very well known around Anchorage and the state since she gave so many public presentations and was always recognizable with her faithful guide dogs Jewel or Savannah. She was very active with the Spenard Lions Club. Her unique laugh, her smile and her frequent hugs were uplifting things that she shared with people around her. She also shared a gift of wisdom, showing us all how to live life with rich enthusiasm, optimism and compassion for others even in the face of personal adversity.