MADELYN MARIE SORENSEN-DYSON

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. Born June 2, 1974, in Cameron, Mo. Madelyn is survived by her husband, Mark Thomas Dyson of St. Croix, Virgin Islands; mother, Sara McCambridge, and stepfather Marty McCambridge of Lake Winnebago, Mo.; sister Hannah Van Derson and brother-in-law Reginald Van Derson of St. Louis, Mo.; nephews Ari and Cameron Van Derson; stepsister Janis McCambridge and stepbrother Connor McCambridge. 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 basketball one year and graduated with a business degree. Through college she worked at Jalapeno's Restaurant and was part of the original staff to open O'Dowd's Restaurant on the Plaza in Kansas City. Upon college graduation she moved to Denver, Colo., to work for Georgia Pacific. She then worked for Coca-Cola, U.S.A., in Santa Barbara, Calif., until her diagnosis of cancer in 2000. Madelyn lived life unabashedly, unpretentiously and passionately. She knew no stranger and infected everyone with her unfailing faith in Christ. She was never shy in sharing an inspiring word to any (and I do mean any) person who was fortunate enough to cross her path. Madelyn left her impression in every place. A lover of animals and their care, she volunteered at Lee's Summit Animal Shelter several years as well as in St. Croix. She was creative at making greeting cards and beautiful beaded jewelry. She made dog collar charms to raise funds for a spay and neuter program. Shopping was a favorite pastime to socialize with shopkeepers and shoppers. She was a die-hard KU basketball fan and kept up on many sports and players. No one could have done it as well as you did, Mad. What a void you leave behind. Thanks for blessing us so fully. A celebration of Madelyn's life will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 5th and Green streets, on Monday, July 19 - visitation begins at 9 a.m., followed by a service at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Sorensen Family Fund. Arrangements: Langsford Funeral Home, 115 S.W. 3rd St., Lee's Summit, MO 64063, (816) 524-3700.