Madilyn Aline Peterson

Madilyn Aline Peterson, affectionately known as "Madi", age 15, of Henderson, Nevada, passed from this earth on February 27, 2024. Madilyn was born on September 23, 2008 to Chad and Stephanie (Gerritsen) Peterson in St. George, Utah. With beautiful red hair and a most sociable temperament, Madi attended preschool in Nebraska, as well as Colorado Springs, before beginning kindergarten at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy. Her kindergarten class, being the very first to attend the newly built school, helped in dedicating the facility; her teachers fondly recall her inquisitive curiosity and excitement to learn something new among classmates. She attended 2nd grade, splitting the year between both Arizona and California, proving that her bright smile and tenacious spirit paved the way for new friendships and adventures.

Upon her arrival to Nevada, Madi, now the oldest of four siblings, began 3rd grade, continuing her school career at Pine Crest Academy Sloan Canyon as a high school freshman. With many accolades and accomplishments, including soccer, tennis, and gymnastics, Madi was no stranger to the competitive world of sports; her dedication and drive to succeed in the world of cross country proved remarkable as she lettered this past season. But, alas, her great love of the arts was truly both endearing and heart warming as she was a former childhood ballerina and a successful violinist in her school's orchestra program. She may be most remembered for artistic abilities with pen, markers, and paper as she was quickly and easily able to draw both beautiful portraits and quirky doodles, to the amusement of friends and family. She very recently rendered a brightly-colored and cheery cover for the Young Men/Young Women Youth sacrament meeting at her church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she was a baptized member. The piece she created was simply entitled, "I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ."

Many young children will recall the joy of having Madi as their babysitter, arriving with a game plan and a bag of activities; she was notorious for creating balloon animals while they slept so they could awaken to a surprise sure to bring giggles! She also hosted theme camps and "Parents Night Out" events where she happily dedicated her time and talents to crafting and creating with gusto; being in the service of others was truly Madilyn to her core. Nothing made her smile more than to be surrounded by friends. Her camp business name was perfectly penned, "Magical Miss Madi'."

A tender, yet comical memory, is of her dear hamster, Popcorn, and the great friendship they shared, including the use of unmatched socks, during quarantine, as a way to create for Popcorn a full couture hamster wardrobe, complete with capes, shirts, and embellishments.

Madilyn's creativity- and compassion- were the ways in which she shone brightest. Many church friends will recall her joint efforts to help chalk the driveways after dark of those celebrating birthdays as a way to spread festive kindness.

Whether boating Lakes Mead, Mohave, or Havasu with her parents and siblings, visiting extended family for holidays, or simply enjoying the company of her beloved sisters and brother, Madilyn's bright light will never be dimmed; those that knew and loved her will forever carry her sunshine in their hearts.

Madilyn is survived by her parents, Chad and Stephanie (Gerritsen) Peterson of the home and three younger siblings, Braxton James, Sadie Marie, and Hailee Ruth, as well as many other extended family and relatives.