Amanda Jane Dombrowski died suddenly on September 9, 2007, just four months shy of her 25th birthday. Amanda’s life journey was, in years, too short but in lives touched, too many to count.

The youngest child and only daughter, Amanda Jane immediately found a place in the hearts of everyone she met. As a creative and energized child and later beautiful young woman, she was always a magnet for friends. Amanda was the social planner for her friends and family using her spunk and sarcastic wit to bring laughter everywhere she went. Amanda was a passionate person; her Irish heritage made her a naturally social, strong willed individual who was never afraid to be herself or share her point of view.

Growing up in Roselle, Illinois Amanda attended St. Walter School until eighth grade and then went on to attend Lake Park High School where she excelled in soccer, among other things, and graduated in 2001. Amanda spent three years at the University of Iowa but found her passion for family was too strong to be far away. A blessing in disguise, Amanda moved home and spent the next five years fulfilling what she knew her purpose in life to be - a teacher, mentor and caregiver for children.

From the start, Amanda knew she was destined to work with children. With 29 cousins, Amanda was more like an aunt than a cousin to many. She was drawn to children and knew she could make a difference in their lives. Amanda began teaching at Kensington School and spent a full year with her class room brightening each of the student’s lives daily. Affectionately called Miss Amanda by many, she was looking forward to many years in the profession.

Amanda was daddy’s girl who often sided with her mother because the women in the house had to stick together. She was a little sister that was a best friend to, and at times the biggest critic of, her two brothers. Amanda’s bright and loyal spirit continues to shine in the hearts of all those who miss her. We, who join her in faith, find comfort in knowing she will be waiting for each of us with a smile as bright as the sun and a wise remark she has been waiting to share. Until then, we boast with pride in telling her story and calling Amanda Jane our daughter, our sister, our cousin, our niece, our aunt, our teacher, and our friend.