Madelyn Sorensen-Dyson

Madelyn Marie Sorensen-Dyson was finally, truly healed from her 10-year battle with brain cancer on July 15, 2010, at her mother’s home in Lake Winnebago, Mo.

Madelyn was the daughter of Sara Sorensen-McCambridge and the late Jeff Sorensen of Lake Winnebago. She was born June 2, 1974, in Cameron, Mo.

She is survived by her husband, Mark T. Dyson of Christiansted, Virgin Islands; mother Sara McCambridge and stepfather Marty McCambridge of Lake Winnebago; sister Hannah Van Derson and her husband, Reginald, of St. Louis, Mo.; nephews Ari and Cameron Van Derson; and step-siblings Janis and Connor McCambridge of Lee’s Summit, Mo.

Maddie grew up in Olathe, Kan., and graduated from Olathe South High School in 1992. She earned a basketball scholarship to Rockhurst College, where she played one year and graduated with a business degree in 1997. Upon graduation she was employed by Georgia Pacific in Denver, Colo. She then worked for Coca-Cola, USA in Santa Barbara, Calif., until her diagnosis of cancer in 2000, when she moved to Lee’s Summit to be near family.

Maddie lived unabashedly, unpretentiously and passionately. She knew no stranger and infected everyone with her unfailing faith and hope in Christ. She was never shy in sharing an inspiring word to any person who was fortunate enough to cross her path. Madelyn left her impression in every place she went.

A lover of animals and their care, she volunteered at animal shelters in Lee’s Summit and in St. Croix. She was creative in making greeting cards and beautiful beaded jewelry, which has been for sale at Scuba in Christiansted. Dog collar charms Maddie created are for sale at Sugar Mill Veterinary Clinic to support the Sunshine Foundation.

Shopping was a favorite pastime; she liked to socialize with shopkeepers and shoppers. She was a die-hard University of Kansas basketball fan and kept up on many sports and players.

Maddie leaves an example of giving the best of herself and a life lived to the fullest. Thanks for blessing us so fully, Maddie.

Donations in Maddie’s honor may be made to:

MD Anderson Cancer Center, Sorensen Family Fund
P.O. Box 4486
Houston, TX 77210-4486
Online at www3.mdanderson.org

Or to:

Sunshine Foundation
4220 LaGrande Princess
Christiansted, VI 00820