Kia Elise Godfriaux

VERONA Kia Elise Godfriaux, age 17, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2014. Kia was born March 31, 1997 in Madison, the daughter of Stan and Colleen (Makinen) Godfriaux. The word unique may have invented to describe Kia. She had a personality that grabbed you the second you met her. Always happy to share her views on any number of subjects, yet always considerate of the views of others. A champion for the underdog; A warm and loving smile that told you she cared about you. Very strong, yet sensitive, a beautiful and kind soul that will live forever in all who knew her. She was a brilliant light in our lives and will forever be missed. Kia loved reading, Harry Potter, Dr. Who, John & Hank Green, the Nerdfighters, painting Japanese watercolor art, the Beatles and Pride & Prejudice. She enjoyed all things academic, especially literature and history. She won an award participating in Model UN and enjoyed debating (in school and out). She was a strong feminist and environmentalist. She enjoyed being outdoors, hiking, wild flowers, working at Subway, and taking pictures with her Polaroid camera. She loved spending time with family, friends and her boyfriend Warren. Kia is survived by her loving parents, Colleen and Stan Godfriaux; caring brother, Colton Godfriaux; grandparents, Tana Godfriaux (Dan Shapera), Judy Tanzer and Michael Makinen; many aunts and uncles include, Shawn Schneider (Larry), Steve Godfriaux, Lynnea Godfriaux-Pregeant (Brad), Janine GodfriauxLeystra (Jim); cousins include Justin Godfriaux, Alyssa and Isaac Leystra, and Justin, Emily and Evan Schneider; great-aunt, Lorraine Godfriaux; and great-uncles, Neil Godfriaux and Wayne Miller. She was preceded in death by grandfathers, Jim Godfriaux and Les Tanzer; and grandmother, Alpha Makinen; and Uncle Lloyd Godfriaux. A service in celebration of her life will be held at OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison on Saturday, August 23, 2014. The gathering will begin at 2pm with a service at 2:30. An extended celebration to follow until 4:30. A memorial fund is being established in memory of Kia. To view a live simulcast of Kia's service on Saturday, please paste the following URL in your web browser: http://thetributecenter.com/tributeplayer/default.aspx?webcasteventid=4204#/webcast