On November 8, 2020, Alexa Lauren Tolsma, age 12, was completely healed of cancer as she met her Lord and Savior. At the age of 6, Alexa placed her faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Throughout her difficult 20-month battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma she remained faithful to Him, never complaining, and often praying for others with cancer. Alexa radiated joy throughout her short life. She had a love for others that was evident when you were around her. She loved to laugh and joke, had a competitive spirit on the basketball court or playing any game, adored her brothers and puppy, Louie, enjoyed spending time in the kitchen baking, but most of all had a genuine love for people. She desired to have children through adoption or foster care and become a kindergarten teacher when she grew up. In her short life, she impacted many. Though not one for the spotlight, she knew that what she was going through here on this earth, was encouraging many in their walk with Christ for eternity, not by anything she or her family did, but rather by the strength and faith that God had given her to share her life with others throughout her battle. She will be dearly missed by her parents, Matt and Laurie Tolsma; brothers, Quinn, Carson, and Isaiah Tolsma; grandparents, Tim and Beth Nesseth, and Gary and Sharon Tolsma; aunts and uncles, Kim and Holly Elders, Todd and Sheila Tolsma, Erin and Bob Perkins, Cary and Kim Collet, Andrea and Lansen Perron, Ben and Mariah Nesseth, Kristin and Garrit Joustra; as well as many cousins whom she was very close with. A celebration of Alexa’s life will take place on Friday, November 13, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Chapel Pointe, 3350 Baldwin St., Hudsonville, with Pastor Josh Tovey officiating. The service will be live streamed at http://live.chapel-pointe.org/alexa. Burial Blendon Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, November 12, from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at the church. There will be an additional visitation on Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Due to gathering restrictions, there will be a limit on the number of people who may enter the building at a time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Starlite Shores Family Camp at www.starliteshores.org. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.
Leave Your Tribute Message
June 11, 2022 11:00am
I am going to miss her more than ever! We where birthday buddies and I will miss her for that, she had a glowing heart for others, loved her family dearly, I am so happy I can see her again someday! Love you Tolsma family!
- Avery VandenToorn
November 19, 2020 1:27pm
We knew Alexa through our Granddaughter RyanV. She loved Alexa so, and Alexa taught her many things about life in her short journey on earth. Alexa made such an impact on others. God chose her for a very special purpose, and your family has been faithful in glorifying God through it all. We know we will meet her someday in eternity. We are praying for you all.
- Bob and Nancy Tienvieri
November 12, 2020 6:17am
Psalm 147:3 says "He (God) heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Praying you experience the healing touch of our Savior as you grieve the loss of this precious child. Prayers will continue for your family.
- Mary Disselkoen
November 12, 2020 4:54am
All who had met Alexa know what a precious young girl she was and feel badly about her death. Thank-you Lord for the promise we have of seeing her again in Eternity! May the Lord comfort you all.
- Priscilla Joy Berends
November 11, 2020 4:40pm
I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of this beautiful young lady. I know Alexa will be missed terribly. My sincerest condolences go out to Matt, Laurie, and the boys, and to all of Alexa’s family and friends. I wish nothing but peace, understanding, and healing for you all.
- Ashley Fessler
November 11, 2020 3:24pm
I would love 💗 to be able to come tomorrow and on Friday for the service. Because of COVID, I won’t be able to be there. My prayers will be for you to feel God’s mercy, strength and peace as you remember Alexa. Please give my condolences to your whole family. Love 💗 you, Jan Weaver
- Jan Weaver
November 11, 2020 12:03pm
Last evening, 11/10/2020, I attended a dinner benefit for Alexa at The Crazy Horse, in Holland. Reading of her brave fight with cancer brought a lump to my throat, and now, having read of her passing, I have tears.
We are hear for such a short time, and Alexa it was far, far too short.
May God give comfort to all of us who grieve.
- Bill Kircher
November 11, 2020 11:34am
Matt and Family What a A beautiful courageous young lady who endured so much during her short years, touching so many peoples lives. Just know you are all in our Prayers and praying God gives you strength and comfort until you meet again 🙏🙏❤️Jack and Chris Lynch
- Christine Lynch
November 11, 2020 5:27am
My heart goes out to the Tolsma family for the loss of there precious child. Thank You for sharing in her journey and the tremendous love of Christ thru your blog. My prayers go out to you and your family . Your loss is great. May the peace of God be felt thru your grieving. And continued prayers for you all.
- Cheryl Robrahn
November 11, 2020 4:45am
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Tolsma family at this most difficult time. May God give you Pease and strength in the coming weeks. What a precious little girl she was and who has touch many people with her testament
- Sue Katerberg
November 11, 2020 4:03am
Matt and family,
I am continuing to pray for you and your family. Although, I didn’t personally know Alexa I have followed her journey for awhile now. Alexa and your family have been so faithful, courageous and such Christian examples to us all. My heart breaks for you all and I will continue to pray for your comfort, strength and peace. I will join on Friday to celebrate beautiful Alex and her life.
- Joy Vanzant
November 10, 2020 2:51pm
It was an honor to be a part of Alexa’s care team and to get to know her. It was a blessing to myself and others to see her faith lived out.
Dennis Philpott
- Dennis Philpott
November 10, 2020 2:20pm
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Alexa. please know I have been & will continue to pray for you, Laurie & her brothers. I know saying goodbye to the one you love so much is terribly difficult. Though the pain seems unbearable, It is good to know Alexa is now with her Saviour.
- Donna Wood
November 10, 2020 1:16pm
Matt and family, as I read through the many, many comments I am struck by the quiet witness of Alexa. I did not know her. But I will be forever impacted, as will others, by the her steadfastness and love for Jesus. All my prayers are with you and your family.
- Angela Neikov
November 10, 2020 8:49am
I am continuing to embrace your family in my thoughts and prayers and sending you peace and strength. I am so sorry for your loss - Alexa has touched so many people with her faith, courage, and love.
- Heather Emery
November 10, 2020 5:57am
Praying you feel God's peace as you grieve this unimaginable loss. The strength and faith you've shown through this battle has been amazing! Sending you my deepest sympathy and prayers...
Jama Batson
Novo
- Jama Batson
November 10, 2020 4:15am
I did not know Alexa, nor any of her family/friends. I was talking to someone who said she was fighting Ewings. My cousin Katelyn Marie McNeil also fought this battle. One thing you can see with both of their fights is that their faith won. No matter the battle in front of them, they kept their faith and if anything, it was strengthened with each test. My take on my cousins battle was that God only rewards the best of us to come home early. God uses their battle as a way to spread faith and show what his love and power can do in the face of this evil. My families prayers are with you all.
- Mike Shaver
November 10, 2020 3:43am
Prayers for strength, peace and grace as you experience your grief. My heart breaks for your family. Alexa will forever live on in your hearts and memories.
- Michelle Grummert
November 10, 2020 3:35am
I’m so very sorry Matt and the whole Tolsma Family. My family has been praying for you guys. Cannot imagine the pain of loosing your sweet daughter but I’m so glad that she loved Jesus and I pray He will comfort you in the way only He can! Will continue to pray for you guys! ❤️
- Shelley Huizinga
November 10, 2020 3:23am
I have never met Alexa, and have never learned more from a 12 year old child. Matt and Lauren, our hearts break for you and your family. You both have taught me how to be a better father, and disciple of Christ. The Lauck family will continue to pray for you as you look for strength and peace for your beautiful Princess Warrior. May God Bless you and may sweet Alexa rest peacefully in Heaven.
- The Lauck Family
- Brian Lauck
November 10, 2020 2:55am
Matt & Family,
Sending you love and peace. May Alexa continue to shine bright from above and bestow you all with her rays of light in the years ahead.
- Aneil Batra
- Aneil Batra
November 10, 2020 12:44am
Matt, I’m sending you and your family strength and peace from Denmark. I wish I was closer to do it in person this week, but please know I’ve followed Alexa’s journey and will be celebrating her life with you all on Friday. Reading the updates was always done w a box of tissues and my own faith has been renewed. The Princess Warrior will live on for me as the person putting my life into perspective & focusing me on the really important things like family & friends & God. Sending your family a virtual hug.
- Lynn Sullivan
November 09, 2020 4:41pm
Matt and Family,
You have my deepest sympathy as you go through this difficult time. May you find strength in the days ahead knowing Alexa now rests in the arms of her Savior. Prayers for your family 🙏🏻.
- Mary Lane (PIFH)
November 09, 2020 3:59pm
Praying for the family. Thank you for sharing this journey with so many, bringing hope and reminder that God is good.
- Cindy Schutter
November 09, 2020 3:37pm
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.
Alexa has been in my prayers all year, and your family will continue to be in my prayers. I am heartbroken for you, only comforted by the fact that Alexa was given the best gift in meeting Jesus. So much love to your family.
- Siri
November 09, 2020 3:37pm
Thinking of the entire Tolsma family. Alexa’s unwavering faith will continue to be an inspiration for the many lives that she touched. God bless you all
- Kristi Cooper
November 09, 2020 3:10pm
Alexa touched my heart through Facebook. Although I live in Ohio and never got to meet her, I know I will get the opportunity in the future. That is our hope! Praying for her parents and family. And thank you for sharing her testimony.
- Myra Gamble
November 09, 2020 2:56pm
Now you walk with Jesus, sweet Alexa.
We will continue to pray for your family,
and one day we will all be together in Heaven.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
- Scott and Kathy Bosworth
November 09, 2020 2:44pm
I am so sorry for your loss...I love the picture you posted of Alexa holding her puppy; that is how I will remember your sweetheart. "How precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints."
--Psalm 116:15
- Vicki De Haan
November 09, 2020 1:52pm
We are so very sorry for your loss of your sweet Alexa. May God grant you peace.
- Dan and Tina Pipp
November 09, 2020 1:50pm
Praying for you and your entire family. May you all feel the love and support that surround you.
- Jen Stutz
November 09, 2020 12:57pm
My heart and prayers are with you as you miss your sweet girl. God Bless!
- Lori Humphrey
November 09, 2020 12:53pm
May you rest in the arms Jesus and may you soar with all his angels and continue to praise the Lord.
Continued prayers and love.
- Cheryl van den Hoek
November 09, 2020 12:02pm
My deepest sympathies.
- Bob Hendricks
November 09, 2020 11:39am
Her bright smile will shine down on you always! She was too young to have to go through so much, but she is finally at peace and no longer knows of pain, instead she now has everlasting joy. God Bless Alexa and prayers for healing for all of your family.
- Shanna and Jeff Mogle
- Shanna Mogle
November 09, 2020 11:23am
My heart goes out to you all. You’ll be in my prayers as you begin this new chapter in your lives. Alexa has been an inspiring hero to so many, including me. God bless you!
- Mary Redick
November 09, 2020 11:06am
I was so deeply touched when I heard that Alexa had been praying for my granddaughter Tali, who’s being treated for the same awful cancer. Alexa is indeed a dear child of God.
- Linda Gaiownik
November 09, 2020 10:52am
With love and prayers our hearts go out to you all.
So sorry for your loss of Alexa, She will always be cherished! May you feel God's love and his arms wrapped around you as you go through this long journey!
Love Mark and Sheri Rinks
- Sheri Rinks
November 09, 2020 10:34am
My heart goes out to the Tolsma’s. I know the pain and grief of losing a child. My heart also goes out to the grandparents. I have been praying for you to feel His presence during these immediate days and in the grief that lingers on. May He raise you up on eagles ‘ wings.
- Ann Westervelt
November 09, 2020 10:33am
Your child like faith has taught many. You have made made life long impressions to so many hearts. You brought so many to know Jesus! May your child like faith live on forever. I know you have made your parents and brothers feel like the richest people on earth. Fly high as you have been healed from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet!
- Mary Sebright Hitzler
November 09, 2020 10:31am
I met Laurie Malone on a Mission trip in Michigan summer of 2019. I have been praying for Alexa & all of you & several of the Bible Studies I’m in have been praying as well. We will continue to lift you up as you walk this new road but know that Alexa’s faith & your family’s as well has made an impact on all of our lives here in Virginia! Looking forward to meeting her some day in heaven!! Praying you feel the Lord cradling all of you & pouring His strength in to you❤️
- Gwen Mallmann
November 09, 2020 9:53am
I followed Alexa’s story on another prayer page. My heart is with your entire family at this time.
- Gena cortez
November 09, 2020 9:34am
I didn’t know Alexa, but I’m sure she was as sweet as her Mom and Grama Beth. My deepest sympathy for Matt and Laurie and family as well as Tim and Beth.
- Joan Zeerip
November 09, 2020 9:11am
You now have wings, so fly with the other Angels. Go rest high on the mountain. Your work on earth is done.
- Angela Polando
