Madelynn EvaMarie Anderson (Maddy), age 17, of Lincoln went to heaven surrounded by her family on Friday, March 27, 2015 after her courageous battle against leukemia. Our little Preemie Princess was born at Saint Elizabeth Hospital on Oct. 23, 1997; Down Syndrome made her an extra special angel, and she was a daddy’s girl from the get-go. Maddy brought love and happiness to everyone she met.
Maddy was a student at Lincoln East High; she had many happy years at Barkley ECSE, Clinton Elementary, and Culler Middle School. Maddy was a member of the Down Syndrome Assoc. for Families and enjoyed attending their activities, especially swim parties.
She enjoyed heavy metal, classic rock, pop music, going to the movies (which could not be complete without “corn-corn” and “kit-kats”), eating out, attending concerts, scary Halloween decorations, amusement parks – especially roller coasters, dances – especially Aunt Shari’s Halloween parties, pretty dresses especially her flower girl bridal dress, and her beautiful long brown hair.
Surviving loved ones include her parents, Rex & Caroline (Hier) Anderson of Lincoln; brothers and sisters in law, Derek (Leah Harris) Anderson of Ames, IA; Jared (Caira West) Anderson of Lincoln; grandparents, Wayne ( Laura) Anderson of Lincoln and Evelyn Hier of Lincoln; aunts and uncles, Glade Hier, Bernie Hier, Mike Hier, Shari Hier-Duffin, Ginny Fry, Cindy (Mark) Stevens, Justin ( Lindsey) Anderson, all of Lincoln, and Bill (Alma) Anderson of Kuwait; honorary uncle and aunt Steve (Candy) Chrastil of Lincoln; special movie buddy, Shawna Hurley of Lincoln; many special cousins, family, and friends; and puppies Bella, Guinness, and Willie.
Maddy is preceded in death by grandfather Julian Hier; great grandparents, Sam (Lucille) Belfiore; and so many other loved ones.
There will be a Visitation at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” St., Lincoln, at 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Sunday, March 29, 2015 with the family present. www.wyuka.com
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 1st, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 3218 “S” St., Lincoln with a visitation one hour prior at the Church. A Rosary Service will be held at 6:30 pm on March 31st at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” St., Lincoln, with family present; Father Morin is officiating all Services. Open Public Visitation will be held from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday and Tuesday, March 30-31st, at Wyuka Funeral Home. Burial and Committal will follow the Funeral Service on April 1st at Wyuka Cemetery and Park with a Dinner Reception following at Wyuka Garden Room.
My heart is heavy for this news. Her smile brightened a room and her laugh was infectious. She is at peace now and is dancing and singing with the angels. Your family is in my prayers
Rex and Caroline,
I am saddened to learn of Maddy’s passing. I remember how bubbly she was when she came with you to pick up the boys. My prayers and best wishes for you and your family. May God bless.
Gary
Rex & Caroline, although we only had the opportunity to meet Maddy a few times, she was a blessing to be around, her sweet smile always put a smile on our faces and in our hearts.
Your family is in our thoughts & prayers. We hope you will find some comfort in knowing your sweet child is now in the arms of our fahter and you have a beautiful angel watching over you.
God Bless, David & Melissa Bragaw
Rex and Caroline,
We are very sad to hear that Maddy is gone from this world. We know she will be smiling down on you from a better place, but also know that you will miss her dearly. Our thoughts are with you. Ron and Kathy Riley
Carrie and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet daughter. I know she has been a blessing to your family . Thinking of you, Nancy Peterson
Caroline, my sweet Cecelia was born 2 years ago, with the diagnosis of Down syndrome. You immediately gave Jenna your contact information to pass on to me, which was honestly my first hint of the enormous love, friendship, and family that surrounds our Down syndrome community. I am so very sad to hear about Maddy’s passing. I don’t have adequate words to use; I just want you to know that even though we never met, you and Maddy made a great impact on me and I will be praying for you and your family. God bless you, and God bless beautiful Maddy.
Anderson family
I’m so sad to hear about our little Maddy girl. I loved being with Maddy at Clinton.
I loved that beautiful smile. She could make a bad day into a sweet day just by seeing her face light up with a smile when she would see you in the hall or she walked in a room. We use to sit on the swing together in the afternoons before it was time to head home for the day.
She is sharing those smiles with Jesus now. Making so many others smile with her.You are all in my Prayers and Maddy remainsin my heart forever. Love you Maddy Girl MS. VAL HEISE
My heart goes out to your family at this difficult time. I’m glad I was able to know Maddy and be her third grade teacher. I remember what a special bond she had with all of those who knew her. I have thoughts of her spinning around on an office chair laughing and not wanting to get out, and probably being irritated at me for always making her greet me. What a treasure she was and the memories she gave us all.
Ms. Joy
To the Anderson family- we send our deepest sympathy. We remember Maddy from DSAF events, and pray that God will comfort you during this difficult time.
Dear Caroline, Rex and Family,
I was so sorry to read of Maddy’s passing. I will always remember her adorable smile. It was a privilege to be her teacher and to learn from you as her parents. May the wonderful memories of your darling daughter be a comfort to you always.
Fondly, Maddy’s preschool teacher, Nancy
Thank you to everyone for the kind words, prayers and friendships! Rex and I appreciate everyone’s support. I am so happy Maddy had so many wonderful people in her life and ours. We will miss our little girl and love her forever!!! We are so proud and blessed we were chosen to be her parents! Thank you all for the outpouring of love!