[KHTS] – More than 200 family members and friends gathered at Higher Vision Church on Saturday to say a final goodbye to Madeline “Maddie” Rossiter, the 19-year-old victim of a fatal off-road vehicle crash near the Rowher Flats OHV Park earlier this month.
Floral prints and many diverse colors of clothing filled the church, as the family of Rossiter wanted attendees to be happy and celebrate her life.
Rossiter helped students with Asperger’s syndrome and autism at Canyon High School in the “Yes I Can” program.
Words such as “beautiful,” “smart,” “focused,” “driven” and “ambitious” were used to describe Rossiter.
“Maddie was committed from a very young age to work with children and this desire developed into working with kids on the autism spectrum,” said the Rossiter family in a eulogy. “Yes I Can was her heart and soul, her other family and no matter where she went or what she did they were always on her mind and in her heart.”
Rossiter was going to California State University, Channel Islands and had just completed her first year, according to Lisa Lamedman, an English teacher for special education students at Canyon High School.
“Leaving high school to attend college was her biggest challenge as she had to leave her kids behind. In true Maddie fashion, she managed to be there for them at least once a week while balancing her work and school schedule,” said the family. “Maddie’s place in our family was special and important she took her role as a daughter, sister, sister-in-law, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend very serious and always gave unconditional love.”
Enclosed in the program was a puzzle piece that attendees were asked to write a memory of Rossiter on to honor her.
The puzzle piece represents the complexity of the autism spectrum, according to the Autism Society.
“While I’ll miss my sister everyday, I will find ways to see her in my family,” said Kayla Rossiter, Maddie’s older sister. “Each day will be a new journey for me. I’m ambitious for our future, my family, my friends and everyone she was in contact with. My final words (to Maddie), you rock.”
Rossiter worked with Adams in Yes I Can and they were close friends.
“She was always there for me and I know she’s there with me through the Lord,” said Adams.
Rossiter’s family believes that in her 19 years, she lived her life fully and followed her heart in everything she did.
“She was not just a friend, she was more than that to me,” said Nolan Sheridan, a friend of Rossiter. “Knowing Maddie changed my life for the better.”
Both Rossiter and Terris Walter, 23, of Lancaster, died from injuries sustained in an off-road crash on Aug. 1.
Madeline and her brother, Daniel Rossiter, were airlifted with major injuries to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, where Madeline succumbed to her injuries while in emergency surgery.
Although the family of Terris Walter had already held a service for him, a celebration of Walter’s life was included at Madeline’s service.
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8 Comments
Prayers to family and friends
So very sad. Wishing her family prayers.
Oh so sad….
Dianna Rossiter Cromie, sending XOXO’s to you and your family.
I hope the family is doing ok. Many prayers for them.
??for all of them..my heart breaks for them??
?
❤️