Carly M. Malave

Carly Marie Malave

Carly Marie Malave, age 33, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026, with her loving parents at her side. Born on June 11, 1993, Carly was a brilliant scientist, a deeply loyal friend, and a central figure in her family’s stories, known to all for her amazing snarky, sarcastic sense of humor.

A proud and dedicated academic, Carly attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Continuing her graduate studies at UW Madison, she earned her Master of Science degree through the Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program. Her thesis research focused on developing and assessing a rabies vaccine in big brown bats. As a passionate bat scientist, her dedication to wildlife preservation took her directly into the field, whether she was capturing and tagging bats in caves, researching white-nose syndrome, or fearlessly collecting fleas from prairie dog mounds.

Carly embraced life's simple and adventurous pleasures alike. She played the flute in her high school marching band, and she absolutely loved all things Christmas. Always eager for the next experience, she loved to travel, try new restaurants, and gather around a table to play cards and dominos. Throughout her journey, Carly developed fast, loyal friendships from high school, college, and her work experiences. While she loved all of her family's cats, Charlie was her undisputed favorite and her proudest achievement in solo pet-parenting

Carly is survived by her parents, Merle Malave (Kalmar) and Carlos Malave; her devoted brother, Chris Malave, and sister-in-law, Jenny Placek Malave. She leaves behind a large, tight-knit family of many aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved her dearly, alongside a community of friends and colleagues who will deeply miss her sharp wit.

The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the dedicated medical staff at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Carbone Cancer Center, and Agrace Hospice Care for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided Carly.

Per Carly's wishes, there will be no traditional visitation. Instead, the family will host a celebration of her life, or what Carly insisted on calling a "fun"eral.

Carly’s "fun"eral will be held on Sunday, November 15, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at The East Side Club , 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carly’s memory to the following organizations that represent her passion for science, her love for animals, and the exceptional medical care she received:

Bat Conservation International (BCI)   https://donor.batcon.org/page/donate?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=2084227651&gclid=CjwKCAjwxeHWBhBPEiwAiqtQ-XUn2sJub8bMK1Cs1ecxtXIoc8nNNF4P6CKGtmWGImhhdtDvsR4N7hoCeL0QAvD_BwE  To support global research and combat major ecological threats like White-nose Syndrome. Carly worked with this organization.

Dane County Humane Society https://www.giveshelter.org/ This is where Carly adopted Charlie. Memorial gifts can be made online or mailed to 5132 Voges Road, Madison, WI 53718.

UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center https://www.uwhealth.org/philanthropy  With gratitude. Please direct donations to the Carbone Cancer Center, Cancer Patient Assistance Fund.

Agrace Hospice Care https://www.agrace.org/donate/  - In deep appreciation for their compassionate support.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666