Madonna Ennis

Williston

Madonna Marie (Lawson) Ennis was born on April 23, 1930 to Gordon and Maybelle Lawson in Sherwood, ND, at the home of her Grandparents Dave and Lilly Perron. She was raised and educated in Donnybrook, ND. Madonna married her husband Jim Ennis on June 30, 1948, and together had five children. Jim passed on March 19, 1994.

Madonna was a loving Mother, homemaker, fabulous cook, seamstress, waitress, foster Grandma at elementary schools and medical records clerk. After the loss of their daughter Sharon in 1977, Madonna teamed up with Howard Isakson of the ND Human Resources. They were invited to many area schools for speaking and presenting programs on Suicide awareness and prevention, and effect it had on families and loved ones left behind. In recognition of that work, Madonna was awarded the Edward Jones Heart of Gold Award in 1986 and followed with the State of ND Mental Health Assoc. Service Award by the Governor in 1987.

Madonna was a member of the Catholic Daughters (50+yrs), Ladies Petroleum Club, Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, Red Hats Club, and ND Mental Health Board.

Madonna enjoyed sewing, crafts, cooking, volunteering for community events, supporting community theater, and traveling abroad. Madonna was a great baker and is remembered for her breads, cookies and hot dishes.

Madonna is survived by her sons: Edward, Tom, and Jim (Jane); daughter Bev (Jerry) Vig; brother Jack (Matilda) Lawson; sisters Peggy (Jess) Owens, Dorene (Larry) Wilson; sisters-in-laws Ione Lawson, Cathy Lawson, Shirley Quigley and Peggy Turner; seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren.

Madonna is preceded in death by her husband Jim; daughter Sharon; her parents; father and mother-in-law Albert and Grace Ennis; brothers Gene, James (Buzz) wife Phyllis, Curtis; sisters Marlene (Douglas) Maynard; Betty (Paul) Spaulding; brother and sisters-in-laws Arthur Bell, Catherine (Harry) Enget, Ida (John) Stroklund, Lucille (Ed) Schuyler, Albert Ennis and Delbert Quigley.

Interment was at St. Anthony Cemetery, Donnybrook, ND on Nov. 6, 2024 with Fr. Daniel Berg. A Vigil and Rosary were held Nov. 11 at St Joseph Catholic Church in Williston, ND by Deacon Jerry Martin. Fr. Ben Wanner provided a Memorial Mass on Nov. 12, 2024 at St. Joseph’s also.

Everson/Coughlin Funeral Home of Williston assisted with arrangements.

Published by The Minot Daily News, November 16, 2024.