Passed Away On: October 22, 2021
Madison Alexandra Eastman
February 4, 1990 – October 22, 2021
Madison Alexandra Eastman of Hollister, California, completed her earthly mission on October 22, 2021. Surrounded by the love of her sister and grandparents, Madi’s parents had the privilege of holding her in their arms as she passed into the arms of her Savior. Madi is survived by her parents, Michael and Colleen Eastman; her sister, Caeti Eastman; her grandparents, Sanford and Nancy Justus; her best friend, Amanda Schlegel; and extended family and friends.
Madi was born in Laguna Hills, California, on February 4, 1990. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hollister, California, through eighth grade, and graduated from San Benito High School in 2008. She attended California State University, Monterey Bay, where she majored in kinesiology. In 2002, she started Cancer Kids Foundation, a non-profit that raised money for families of kids with cancer. She was an active participant in the annual San Benito County Relay for Life. She had a soft spot for the homeless. She ardently believed “little things” – words of comfort, small gestures of kindness, gifts of the moment, time spent with someone in need, appreciation for each day – had the power to make the world a better place.
Madi was diagnosed with leukemia in 1997 when she was seven years old, relapsed and underwent a bone marrow transplant when she was eight years old. In the subsequent 24 years, Madi was challenged by seven other cancers, multiple organ failure, a massive stroke, and several amputations. She met these challenges with peaceful acceptance and grateful endurance. With each limitation visited upon her, Madi simply found something else for which to be thankful. She lived her life not from the perspective of what was missing or needed, but from one of abundance and gratitude and searching for a way to give back to others.
Madi enjoyed crafts, particularly Legos, beading and knitting, and was undaunted by complex directions. She loved food, cooking, every kitchen gadget invented, did not clean as she cooked, and never once placed an order in a restaurant without changing how it was prepared. She loved Disneyland and believed in the magic. She was a worthy adversary in SkipBo, Monopoly, Backgammon, and poker. She adored children.
Madi’s greatest joy was her family and friends. Her greatest strength was her faith. She trusted Jesus; she loved Jesus; when the appointed time came, she rested in Jesus. Madi ran the race given her with grace, joy, and a peace that can only come from Jesus. She ran her race well, and she finished well.
A memorial service for Madi will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., at Grace Bible Church, 375 Sixth Street, Hollister, California 95023.
Charitable donations may be made to the Madi Eastman Kids Camp Fund via check:
Grace Bible Church of Hollister
MEMO: MEKC
634 Monterey Street
Hollister, CA 95023
or electronically online: https://pushpay.com/g/gracehollister
(Please select Madi Eastman Kids Camp from the pull down Fund menu.)
The Madi Eastman Kids Camp Fund has been established to provide financial support to parents for kids wishing to attend summer Christian camps.
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Col. 13:12)