Madeleine Feng Hsu was born on July 10, 2006, to her loving parents Donna and John, in Danbury, Connecticut. She would spend the next six beautiful years of her life in Newtown, Connecticut, until the events of December 14, 2012.

Madeleine, often called Maddie by those who knew her, was an exuberant, energetic little girl. She was beautiful, bright, and joyful middle child. For Madeleine, everything in life was an adventure. She did everything with enthusiasm and determination, and was a natural born leader. She was kind and compassionate, too. She and her classmate, Caroline, would comfort a little boy from their street, who would panic on the way to school. Madeleine would tell him that he didn't have to be afraid, and that school was fun. She had a giving heart. Full of grit and determination, once Maddie set her mind to something, it was as good as done. She ran, played, and strived 100% from the time she woke up till the time her head hit the pillow, exhausted but fulfilled. She was, in the words of her parents, "an amazing little girl".

Maddie had several passions. She loved bright, flowery dresses, which she wore often. She loved dogs, especially her neighbour's golden retriever. Her face would light up at the sight of the dog as she got off the bus from Sandy Hook School. Madeleine loved music, whether it was listening to it, singing along with the radio, or playing the piano. She liked jumping waves at the beach and swimming in the pool, as well as picking flowers on Long Island with her sisters. Maddie loved princesses and her family described her as their "petite princess". One of her biggest passions was reading. The only time Maddie ever rested quietly was to read her books, especially about her beloved princesses, fairies, and Pinkalicious. In her words, "I love learning because I love to read". She loved school, her Sandy Hook Elementary classmates, and of course her family.

Madeleine had a beautiful spirit, and a heart full of joy. She gave so much to this world in her short time here. She was especially close with her two sisters, big sister R and little sister H (names censored for privacy). They each had their own rooms, but, prior to Maddie's death, the 3 sisters would share a bed at night because they couldn't bear being separated. After Madeleine's tragic death in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, her loved ones and entire community had to grapple with their massive loss of such a precious soul. But though her earthly life was short, the impact she made was eternal. Madeleine Feng, a cheerful girl who relished life, will be in our hearts always.

To honour Madeleine, donations can be made to her memorial fund at the following address: Madeleine Hsu Memorial Fund, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 26 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470.

Consider visiting her great-grandma: Nathalie Higgins

Always keep the memory of Maddie Hsu in your heart, and give your all in life like she did.