In Loving Memory of Madalyne Tregallas Maxwell
It is with deep sorrow and profound heartbreak that we share the passing of our cherished friend and colleague, Madalyne Tregallas Maxwell, former Chief Operating Officer, Interim Executive Director, and so much more to the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) community. Her loss leaves a deep and lasting void in our hearts and in the very fabric of the organization she helped build and shape over many years.
Madalyne was not only a dedicated leader—she was the heartbeat of CYSO during a transformative period in our history. She brought a rare combination of sharp intellect, unwavering commitment, and heartfelt empathy to every role she took on. Starting her journey at CYSO in an administrative capacity, Madalyne’s rise through the ranks stands as a testament to her remarkable talent, work ethic, and unshakable belief in the mission of youth music education.
A Legacy of Growth and Mentorship
Madalyne’s impact on CYSO is immeasurable. She was a guiding force behind the expansion and professionalization of our programs, helping to grow CYSO into the thriving, nationally respected organization it is today. Her fingerprints are on countless projects, initiatives, and innovations that brought meaningful change—not only to our operations, but to the lives of the young musicians and families we serve.
But perhaps her most enduring legacy lies in her mentorship and generosity of spirit. Madalyne deeply believed in the power of people. She invested her time, wisdom, and heart into nurturing young professionals—many of whom continue to shape the arts landscape in Chicago and beyond. Several of our current dedicated staff members were personally mentored by Madalyne, as were countless others who have gone on to leadership roles in major arts and nonprofit institutions across the country.
She had a rare gift for bringing out the best in others, gently guiding those around her with honesty, grace, and an infectious laugh that could ease even the most stressful of days. Her compassion ran deep, and her advocacy for students, families, and staff alike was unwavering.
A Heart for the CYSO Family
For Madalyne, CYSO was more than a workplace—it was a community, a calling, and a second home. She loved this organization with all her heart and gave endlessly of herself to see it flourish. She celebrated every student performance with pride, supported colleagues through challenges, and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure CYSO remained a welcoming and empowering space for all.
Her love extended most profoundly to the CYSO families—parents, students, and alumni who were embraced with kindness, warmth, and a deep understanding of the importance of music in shaping young lives. The trust she built with families over the years was grounded in her authenticity and care. In every interaction, Madalyne embodied the spirit of community that defines CYSO at its best.
A Loss Deeply Felt
Madalyne’s absence will be felt profoundly across our entire organization. Her leadership, her laughter, her guidance, and her friendship will be missed in ways both large and small. But even in our grief, we know that her legacy lives on—in the strength of the organization she helped to shape, in the careers she launched, and in the many lives she touched along the way.
Our hearts go out to Madalyne’s family, and especially to her beloved children, Lily and Arthur, whom she spoke of often and with deep pride and love. The CYSO community stands beside you in this time of sorrow, united in grief and gratitude for the extraordinary woman who gave so much of herself to others.
Her Memory Will Be a Blessing
As we mourn Madalyne’s passing, we also celebrate the profound and beautiful life she lived. Her legacy will remain with us—in every note played by a young musician, in every act of mentorship offered, and in every decision made with compassion and integrity.
We invite our community to join us in remembering Madalyne by carrying forward the values she embodied: dedication, empathy, courage, and kindness.
Rest peacefully, Madalyne.
Your work here is done—but your impact will echo for generations to come.