Maddie’s Nature Memorial

For all that knew Maddie, it will come as no surprise that she spoke of wanting to become a tree after she passed. She always talked about being in love with Missouri and its beautiful nature. We are planning to have a memorial and forest an area at her favorite conservation area, Burr Oak Woods, in Blue Springs. She spent many days here with her daughter Luna and many other loved ones.

As you can imagine, this is a hard time and we are on a timeline so we are still working out the details with Burr Oaks. We will keep this page and everyone updated as we get more information but wanted to give everyone a chance to contribute to Maddie’s wish. Why be a tree when you can be a forest?

You are required to put a goal on here, but we have no goal in mind. Contributions are appreciated but not expected by any means.

Maddisen Lee Cooke (Maddie), born on March 14, 1997, in Nevada, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

Maddie was a light in the life of everyone who knew her. Her warmth and acceptance were immediately evident to anyone lucky enough to spend time with her. Those close to her were even luckier to know the depth of her love. Maddie was never one to shy away from overt expressions of affection for those dear to her, while constantly providing subtle reminders to her loved ones that they were important.

Maddie was preceded in death by Sandy Cooke, her beloved grandmother, as well as Buddy Cooke, a mutt from the pound who lived with her.

Maddie is survived by her daughter, Luna Jane Cauthon, who she loved unconditionally, constantly repeating the refrain, “To the moon and back!”; her mother, Kim Cooke; her brother, Blake Cooke; her niece, Marlee Cooke; her grandfather, Thomas Cooke; her green-cheeked conure, Minokawa, and many more loved ones.

Throughout her entire life, Maddie was a naturalist, enamored by all aspects of the outdoors. The animals, plants, and geology all caught her eye, and the excitement she had for them was contagious. You could not spend time with her outdoors without being directed to check out a rock or plant, or being shushed while your attention was focused on a bird resting on a branch. She also had a particular fondness for the moon, often ensuring her loved ones were able to enjoy its splendor, asking, “Have you seen the moon tonight?”

To that end, it was no surprise to anyone who knew her that her daughter was named Luna. Maddie was an incredible mother. She loved Luna as much as anyone has loved anyone before or will again. She gave her entirety to motherhood, and it manifests every day in the wonderful, sweet reflection of her that Luna is.