Biography: Melissa King Madigan, 64, died peacefully at home, Monday, July 26, 2021, from complications of early onset Alzheimer’s.  Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on October 23, 1956, Lissa was the daughter of Mary Jane Richardson and James Edward Madigan. In addition to her parents, Lissa was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Robert Holliman.

Lissa attended Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic School and graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in 1975.  Her friendships made during these years lasted her entire lifetime.  Lissa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee (1980), and did her internship in the Burn Unit and ICU at Barnes Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri.  Lissa received her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas (2001).

Lissa’s entire professional career reflected her personal, moral and spiritual commitment to caring for the sick and supporting those she counseled during vulnerable times in their lives. She held positions at St. Vincent’s Hospital; Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Burn Unit; and Arkansas Cardiology Clinic.  She was in private practice in the field of marriage and family counseling, followed by serving as Family Service Coordinator for central Arkansas Hospitals in addition to In House Coordinator for Arkansas Children’s Hospital for Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA).  Lissa touched many, many lives in profound ways.

Lissa was a lifelong Catholic whose faith in the Church and love of God never wavered.  She was a member of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and sang in the Cathedral choir for many years.  Lissa’s life of service also included helping the downtrodden, homeless and helpless in numerous ways.  She was known to give rides across town to homeless individuals, to give away her own coat when needed, and to take in stray animals including one special dog abandoned on the freeway.  Her prayers were always to keep people safe and for God to keep them close to Him. 

Lissa is survived by her siblings:  Chris (Nancy) Madigan of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Sallie Holliman of Roseville, California; Kathy (Ray) Muehlman of Charleston, West Virginia, and Steve (Sherri) Madigan of Little Rock, Arkansas.  Her nieces and nephews and their children often referred to Lissa as their favorite aunt, and she always loved her time with them, including:  Lauren Cates and Sarah Madigan-Eyring; Matthew Holliman; Reed Muehlman, Anna Hartman, and Daniel Muehlman; and Jimmy Madigan, Rachel Madigan, Mary Hannah Madigan, and Grace Madigan.

Lissa’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Sharon Antoon, who assisted and supported Lissa during the course of her illness.  Special thanks is extended to caregivers Vicki Washington and Robyn Knight, as well as dear friends Linda Hoffmann, Tricia Brown and Susie Lowther.  

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. Visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Monday, August 2, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a Rosary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, August 3, at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 617 Louisiana Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201.  Graveside services will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to CARE for Animals, Inc., P. O. Box 7604, Little Rock, Arkansas 72217 or Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock, 1601 Marshall Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.