It’s difficult to know where to begin in these situations…
The earliest memory in life I have is of my sister Amanda, she was just shy of 5 when I was born and became my best friend instantly. That’s who Amanda was, someone’s friend instantly and she treated you like a best friend.
On January 4th 2024, Amanda’s body, of just 47 years, took it’s last breath after a very brief unknown illness that her body could not sustain. She was surrounded by a circle of love that included aunts, uncles, parents, nieces, cousins and sisters as we said goodbye and hoped her Dad was waiting for her when she arrived.
Amanda was raised in Trumansburg and spent her adult life in the area. She was the proud owner of Rent-a-Flick in Trumansburg, a place where she crossed many of your paths. With her customers she saw little ones grow into adults, couples become parents, people lose partners; the store was a sources of comfort for many with a good movie to cure a bad mood and a friendly chat with Amanda to make you feel seen. She truly cared about each person who walked into that door and maintained many of those friendships long after the store closed.
After Rent-a-Flick closed Amanda went on to work as a customer service agent with William’s Insurance Agency. She adored her work family and a new group of folks who walked through the door; Amanda loved helping people! Amanda enjoyed the regulars who popped in monthly to pay their premiums or sometimes just to say “hi”, her work became another place for people to feel seen and welcomed.
When Amanda was not at work she was busy with being a world class Auntie, sister, daughter and friend. Amanda took on the care of our mom full time while moving back into our childhood home. She has been the primary caregiver, organizing appointments, consulting with doctors, maintaining the home, paying the bills and the most perfect constant companion for our mom. There was no one better to step into these shoes; it’s going to take two of us to even slightly measure up.
A common theme with Amanda was GIVING. Amanda gave far more than she ever received, to family, friends and her community. She gave so much that she has no retirement, savings or life/health insurance. As a family we will cover what we can, but as a community maybe we can do more.
I am humbly asking that you take a moment to give back to Amanda, maybe it’s the late fee’s that were waived when returning a movie, or a meal she paid for without you knowing (she was so sneaky) or the benefit she attended in support of your loved one or the gift basket she donated for your fundraiser. Our sister was the most selfless person I have ever met, she went without so much for most of her life to make sure others were cared for.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank you deeply for anything you can offer.