Born in Bandung Indonesia.  There during WWII, Madeleine survived the Japanese concentration camps along with her brother Dick and mother Wilhelmina, but her father Dick van Galen Last died in battle, at first declared missing in action, later presumed deceased.  After the war they returned to Holland to live with their fun-loving Uncle Wim and artistic grandmother Dorothea.
  Growing up in Holland, Madeleine's passion for dance and the arts blossomed.  She was awarded a Fullbright scholarship to study in the United States.  The first of its kind to be awarded for arts study.  She studied at the School of American Ballet in New York City under George Ballanchine.  Through her scholarship she also attended University of Arkansas, and met with Governer Orval Faubus speaking candidly about his reputation in Holland for standing against desegregation.
  Married with three sons, Madeleine lived in the US for twenty more years.  In Nashville Tennessee, she co-founded the Dancer's Studio, which was part of the early foundation for today's Nashville Ballet.
  She eventually returned to Holland to marry Herman Eekels, whom she considered her soul mate.  In Holland she continued to be a steward for the arts.  She worked on several arts and culture commissions and service organizations, as well as founding the Dancer's Studio in Wassenaar.
  After being nominated by her peers, Madeleine was Knighted, a royal appointment as Ridder in the Order of Orange-Nassau during Kings day celebrations in April of 2015 for her contributions to the arts.      
  She has left a lasting impact on the arts community, family and friends on both continents.