Madeline “Maddie” Lisa Lassche
Madeline was born in Plattsburgh New York to David and Olga Randall on September 17th, 1972. Never one to quit, she battled breast cancer for years, and passed away at the age of 51 on December 03, 2023 surrounded by her loving and cherished family. In her childhood years, her family lived in many states and eventually settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she attended West High School. While in high school Maddie, who could learn to do anything, learned to play the clarinet and was the band major for the year of 1989. In 1984, at the ripe age of 12, she met her future husband and the love of her life Steven Lassche. Maddie and Steven were inseparable and they married on March 8th, 1993. Maddie and Steven built a home together in Kaysville Utah where they raised their two sons, Mark and Thomas. The Lassche family was known for their hospitality which included famous pool parties. Every year they, and countless friends, looked forward to their annual 4th of July party, where all were welcome.
Maddie was an avid traveler and never turned down an opportunity for an adventure. Of all the many places to which she traveled, Hawaii was the place that captured her heart and fed her soul. She also cherished her annual girls’ trips every year, as well as the treasured Christmas vacations with her husband and sons. She really loved watching her boys grow and become the kind and capable young men that they are. She was a central and fundamental part of their lives, whether it was football games, weekly DND or a fierce family game of UNO, of which you did not want to be on the losing end. Maddie had a big heart that she freely shared and she was there for anyone that needed her – anytime. She had a knack for always giving solid and genuine advice, even if it was something you did not want to hear. She faced life with a head-on truthfulness and genuine spirit, and didn’t sugar coat it!
Maddie was passionate about education in all forms, and especially nursing and simulation. She practiced her career as a nurse with great intellect, deep passion, genuine heart, and an always present sense of humor, to the profound benefit for all who had the good fortune to cross her path. Maddie began work in health care in 1991 at LDS hospital; first as a clinical laboratory assistant, then pathology department secretary and cardiac transplant coordinator, and finally, a certified nursing assistant. After graduating from the University of Utah in 1999 with a BS degree in nursing, she began work as a staff nurse, respiratory support nurse, and charge nurse
on the infant and pediatric intensive care units at Primary Children’s Hospital. Maddie discovered that she enjoyed mentoring and teaching; others recognized her skill and natural
talent, and so in 2007 she graduated from Westminster College with an MSN in nursing education. With this degree, her successful career at the University of Utah College of Nursing began. Maddie started at the College of Nursing as a pediatric clinical instructor, receiving rave reviews from students, clinical staff, and other instructors. She was promoted to Assistant Professor in 2014, and to Associate Professor in 2020. During this time, Maddie was actively involved in curriculum and course development, serving on numerous academic committees, precepting many students in the MS Nursing Education program, and generously assisting faculty colleagues as an expert resource. In addition to her skill as an educator, her leadership ability became quickly evident. She was appointed as Executive Director of Simulation in 2014, and completed the DNP Organizational Leadership program at the University of Utah in 2019.
Maddie’s work in simulation at the College of Nursing is noteworthy. She was the driving force for innovative and successful implementation of simulation as an effective method of clinical instruction. Using sound educational pedagogy and content expertise, she led the use of simulation in the baccalaureate program, and creatively expanded the role of simulation in the DNP and PhD program. She was instrumental in the creative design, equipment selection, scenario development, and development of faculty simulation experts. She also proved to be an adept operations leader, creating a sound fiscal structure that led to the creation of a simulation service center that is utilized by others across health sciences, the state of Utah, and beyond. She managed the simulation staff with fairness, kindness and respect, and in turn was well-respected by them. Their glowing nomination resulted in her receiving the College of Nursing Young Alumni Award of 2019.
Maddie’s influential work has been recognized well beyond the College of Nursing. Her leadership in an interdisciplinary academic and community group resulted in the creation of a comprehensive and sophisticated disaster preparedness interprofessional simulation, which has been successfully completed by thousands of nursing, medical, pharmacy, and allied health professional students. Her expertise and innovative work resulted in numerous local, national and international presentations. She led and participated in national programs, including serving as communications chair of the nursing section for the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, and instrumental work in the implementation of a pilot national mentorship program. She led or co-led in several grant-funded research and scholarly works, that included the timely adaptation of simulation learning to virtual reality. She authored and co-authored numerous journal articles that are utilized by international educators as references for implementation of simulation education. In addition to serving as an expert abstract and manuscript reviewer for various professional journals and organizations, she was a pediatric content expert, author, and consultant in the development of simulation software for a well-respected educational media company. Her mark on the world of simulation learning is indelible. As the essential founder of the University of Utah College of Nursing simulation center Maddie leaves a legacy of educational excellence. As generous and skillful leader, colleague, teacher, mentor, and friend, who used not only her intellect, but also her heart and soul, Maddie leaves her colleagues, students, and future students, a legacy of inspiration.
Maddie is survived by her husband Steven Lassche and their two sons Mark and Thomas Lassche, her mother Olga (Ron) Boss, brother Michael A. Randall, and sister Caroline (Scott) Sensiba. She had a special place in her heart for all of her nieces and nephews: Michael Brandon Randall, Scott Michael Sensiba, Madison Elizabeth Wagstaff (Alex), Avery Nichole Sensiba. Maddie is preceded in death by her father David A Randall Sr and brother David Randall Jr.
“Never take a day in your life for granted. Every single one, bad or good, is a blessing. Enjoy the ride - Maddie”
There will be a celebration of life with details to come.
In Lieu of flowers the family would request that donations be made in her honor to help young healthcare workers achieve their futures in healthcare. The University of Utah has set up a scholarship in her name. Here is the link to donate.
https://ustarter.utah.edu/o/university-of-utah-39/i/ustarter/s/maddie-lassche-simulation-education-scholar-award-rcxq7f3xd?fbclid=IwAR2tyMk7esjjdM-vAogFlgHweR7C7FhjIAg6SD0zyxCowBZHYWEAcxFXPko