Josephine "Josie" Rawlings Crabb

Josie, age 23, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, while surrounded by her parents, her brother and his wife, and her sister. Josie was born on February 3, 2003, and grew up on Madison’s Eastside, graduating from Madison East High School in 2021.

Josie was gifted in engaging with anyone and everyone she met. She had a beautiful, kind smile. Her presence brought happiness and comfort to all she met.

Over the course of her life, Josie faced many physical, developmental, and medical challenges with grace and amazing resilience. After a difficult start to 2026, Josie enjoyed a beautiful summer, seeing and being with loved ones over the last few months. Throughout all of her life, her genuine, joyful spirit was unwavering. Her love and strength will continue to lift and motivate those who loved and cared for her.

Our family has the deepest appreciation for the many caring, passionate, curious, and creative medical, therapeutic, educational, and caregiving staff who helped make it possible for Josie and our family to have such a full and wonderful life with her.

Josie is survived by her parents, Zeke Crabb and Michelle Rawlings; siblings, Evan and Iris Ray; and sister-in-law, Abbie. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, John Rawlings, and survived by her maternal grandmother, Nancy Muffly; and paternal grandparents, Janice Crabb, Marvin Kamp, and Edwin Spurgin.

A Celebration of Josie’s Life will be held at the Goodman Community Center,149 Waubesa St., Madison, on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a memorial service followed by a time to gather, share memories, and be with one another.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations be given to any of the following organizations, which held immense importance in Josie and our family’s lives:

The Peanut Gallery Family Daycare
Three Gaits Inc.
Red Caboose Child Center
United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Dane County