Elana Jean Madigan Obituary (1967 - 2022)

Waterville- Elana Jean Madigan, 54 of Waterville, ME passed away peacefully Thursday January 6, 2022 at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor with her family at her side. Elana was born in Manhattan, NY and was raised in Manahawkin, NJ by the late Peter K. Madigan and Alice Madigan. She graduated from Southern Regional High School (1985) in Manahawkin, NJ. In addition to her mother, Alice, Elana is survived by her sisters, Colleen M. Madigan (David Bradford) of Waterville and Jennifer A. Bott (Christopher), her niece and nephew Nathaniel and Makenzie Bott of Ship Bottom, NJ. She had numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in NY, NJ and across the country. As well as many friends and "extended family" who will miss her passionate heart, infectious laughter and Jersey Girl sassiness. Elana was a hard worker having worked at many of the local restaurants on LBI and the surrounding area. She relocated to Maine in 2003 and worked for many years at Kennebec Behavioral Health before her illness progressed. She loved dogs, especially rescue dogs and they loved her in return. Elana loved the beach, especially the beaches of Long Beach Island, NJ. She loved the outdoors whether that was fishing and camping in Maine or parasailing at the Jersey shore. Every year she was involved in the NAMI walk, often bringing her dog along. Elana loved organic gardening and was always quick with what plants to plant for pest control or what organic remedies to rid the garden of pests. She successfully saved lilies from the red lily leaf beetle. She fought to save the bees and planted flowers to attract them. Elana was also a fierce advocate for women's rights. She loved music, going to concerts and singing in the car. Her very first concert was to see Queen. Most of all Elana was the best daughter, sister, partner, aunt, and friend one could ask for. She lived to make others smile. She was loyal and fierce. She always searched for the best gifts whether that was an antique tea set her mother wanted or introducing her sisters to the joys of SmartWool socks. A few years ago, as her best friend was dying of cancer, she decided to bring Australia to her since she was too ill to travel to the place she always wanted to see. Since there were no kangaroos to be rented, she enlisted her sister who involved Senator Tom Saviello to open the DEW Animal Park in the winter for them so her friend could spend time with kangaroos and wallabies. Elana struggled with many medical issues, including a genetic predisposition towards addiction. She tried valiantly to fight her demons. Her family would like to express their belief that every person with a substance use disorder is deserving of love, respect and access to treatment. Substance use disorder does not define who they are. Visiting ours will be held from 5PM-7PM on Thursday, January 27 at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Friday, January 28 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine. In lieu of flowers Elana's family asks that donations be made in her name to: Crisis and Counseling Center in Augusta, Maine or Maine Association of Recovery Residences.