Ruth “Diamond” Madsen

I lost a friend today.

This morning, two weeks after her birthday, Ruth “Diamond” Madsen passed away. To those who knew her, this comes as a shock. Diamond was someone who seemed to never run out of energy – always making calls, collecting items, and taking a stand for her community.

Diamond was a storyteller. She lived so many lives. From what I learned through out conversations over the years, her journey was nothing short of amazing. After overcoming a childhood in foster care and struggles with substances and homelessness, she somehow still managed to maintain a positive outlook on life. Sadly, what she endured is not unique in this country, but what she did with her experience is.
She walked the walk. Diamond regularly opened her home to friends and family (and felines) when they needed a place to stay. She cooked full meals for people in her neighborhood. She handed out coffee every Sunday morning at Mathewson Street Church. She made sure people got up and “got their ass over” to her place to pick items from her constant collection of coats, hats, shoes – you name it. While her requests were not always the most polished, they came from a place of love.

I have never in my life received so many phone calls from someone I just met than I did from Diamond, and I PROMISE you, I’m not unique. To know Diamond was to be on her speed dial as she tried to make connections and “get shit done” for those in need. Now, while she may have had a rotating rolodex of enemies (I never made the list, but I’m sure my time would have come eventually!), her “vendettas” were always short-lived and fleeting. She simply didn’t have time to sit around and wait. Things had to happen and they had to happen on Diamond’s schedule – i.e.: the schedule that best served everyone in need.
Our partnership was one I never could have predicted. Most of our conversations ended in bickering – me telling Diamond she certainly did NOT need another fish tank in her small apartment and her telling me all to mind my business. She was, of course, correct. While we came from very different places, we had the same goal – to help keep people safe and warm through the winter. To give people a leg up, no matter how small.
What weighs on me now is knowing that my relationship with Diamond was just one of MANY she had. I can’t imagine the ripple effect her passing will have across the state (although I do think some local politicians will breathe a bit easier knowing she isn’t coming around the corner in her pink Comfy ready to throw hands). She was fearless, a fighter, and a force of nature.

If you want to honor her, I ask that you do something kind for someone in need. If you knew her and want to share a memory, please reach out. There is comfort in community, and Diamond would love to know we were all talking about her.
-Lauren

Editor’s Note: Diamond’s family and friends are working to raise money for her funeral expenses. See this link to help.