"Ode to a life of love
Oh you little flower of poverty and strife,
how you grew to be one of love and virtue,
how from humble beginnings you planted a garden that bloomed full of life
how you have brought much love and light to many a life
you who have made the span of your days special and true
you who welcomed all into your home and heart with never a second thought
you who held tightly in your arms both babe and grand alike
for your candle no longer shines upon us, your memory guides us like a beacon
you will be truly missed, and forever loved, now that your with the Father above
Smile upon us who remain, and be forever young, forever free
And if one last word you hear before you ascend, know it to be one of love
and gratitude for those who knew you best, will miss you most, but for all of us
we have faith that one day we shall reunit and be whole once again."

Her parents came from a small village in Sweden, and came to the United States on the Lusitania which was the sister ship to the Titanic. Her mother had to recieve special permission from the King to come over because she was not of proper age to travel. At the time her mother and father didn't know each other but only in passing. 

After having gone through Ellis Island they went their seprate ways, her father to Chicago and her mother to Minneapolis. About six months passed when her father came to call on her mother saying "Minney you and I know no one here, we are from the same part of the world, lets get married." 
They were wedded and began a family in Hanolentown, IW. She was one of 7 children. Her father became a Black Smith by trade and was a very well respected and established craftsmen.

At the age 16 Madelynn married Harland Alanzo Peterson, a young ranch boy who was one of 12 in his family. They began their lives with a humble start, and had 4 children Gary, Patrica, Bruce and then Micahel. In Madelynn and Harlands earily years they moved to California and raised their children in Santa Anna and then when Michael was about 15 they moved to Desert Shores, CA where they became promement members of the community and helped to establish The Community Church by the Sea. Harland passed away in 1996 and Madelynn remarried and had a short marriage to Victor Higgins and he passed on in 1997. 

In 2001 Madelynn moved to Yucca Valley, CA. and lived a few years in a wonderful mobile home park ajasoned from a golf course. In 2007 Madelynn moved in with her daughter Patrica who lives in Huntington Beach, CA.

2010 Madelynn moved into a senior assisted apartment, where she spent the rest of her days. She departed this word on March 8, 2012 just a few days before her 91st birthday, and was laid to rest on March 16, 2012.