BERRY, Amanda Faye

April 29, 1979 — February 5, 2024

With the profoundest of sorrow, we sadly announce the passing of our beloved Amanda Faye – mother, wife, daughter, sister, sister-cousin, cousin, auntie, and friend. After living with breast cancer for almost 3 years, Amanda left us peacefully and in comfort on February 5, 2024. She was 44 years old. Born to Patricia and Robert in Kelowna, BC on April 29, 1979, Amanda wasted no time earning the traditional name her Great Aunt Delia would bestow upon her years later – Cucuwelks or One-Who-Pokes-with-Needles. A rose by any other name…

In 1999, the unyielding pursuit of Simon began, and with the love of her life finally by her side, the couple welcomed Amanda’s infinite inspiration, her whole life, and her reasons for being, Autumn and Indigo. To think of Amanda is to think of someone unlike any other. She savoured life like a kid in a candy store and was always the first to turn a table into a dance floor. Sometimes outspoken and sometimes outrageous, she was full of ideas, and always spoke her truth. She was spontaneous, passionate, vivacious, kind, generous, and loving. With an immense heart, Amanda was a nurturer who brought people together and did her best to look after them, whether they be family, friends, or students.

In 2002, she began a career as a hairdresser where her creativity, penchant for colour, and spirited personality brought her a loyal clientele. Undaunted by the challenges of dyslexia, she completed the Human Service Worker program at Okanagan College in 2014 and became an Indigenous Advocate. She went on to complete her Bachelor of Social Work at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in 2021, which led her to a Wellness Worker career with School District 23. With a passionate voice, she was a strong advocate for at-risk Indigenous youth and forged meaningful connections with the students she supported. This job meant the world to her, and she considered Rutland Middle her second home. She cherished the water and made the most of every opportunity on the lakes of the Okanagan, be it dragon boating, paddleboarding, swimming off the family boat at her favourite spot on Kalamalka, or having Simon chase the sunset across the waves. Amanda will be remembered as fiercely loyal to her family and friends and above all else, for the vast love and unwavering pride she held for her children. Amanda is survived by her daughter Autumn; son Indigo; husband Simon; mother Patricia; father Robert; siblings Norman (Tara), Angelina, and Tristan; nephews Cruz and Wolf; sister-cousin Shannon (William); nephews Jade and Storm; niece Ellie and nephew Finn; and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, aunties, and uncles.

The family would like to thank all the friends and loved ones that have helped them during their time of need; School District 23 for their support; and to share their sincerest gratitude for the kind, compassionate and talented staff of Kelowna Hospice House and the 3MU unit of Kelowna General Hospital.  Thank you also to Crazy Apples Catering, who have honoured Amanda by renaming her favourite menu item The Amanda Berry Pecan Salad. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BC Cancer Foundation, www.bccancer.bc.ca.

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