A nurturer is someone who has the innate ability to care for others in every way, to selflessly put the needs of others ahead of their own. This is who Amanda Marks was every day whether she was caring for her brothers, her mother, her husband, or her precious son. She was so much more, too, as she was a vibrant individual, a loyal friend, and a true gift to all those whose lives she touched. Just when Amanda’s life turned down a road that seemed constructed just for her, a time when she was blessed to nurture the baby who was her dream come true, her life took an unexpected, unplanned, and unwelcome turn. This turn leaves in its wake a tapestry of vibrant tomorrows that have now become part of an unending chasm in the depths of the souls of so many as Amanda’s bright light was extinguished much too soon.
The decade of the eighties is one to be remembered with cultural fads such as the camcorder, the minivan, and the personal computer, but also life-changing events such as the AIDS epidemic and the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger. It was during this eventful time that Cameron and Judy Wilson welcomed their daughter, Amanda, into their hearts and home on March 30, 1980. Amanda was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, as the oldest of three children in her family including brothers Tristan and Tyler. As a toddler one of Amanda’s favorite books was about cats and so one of her first words was “meow,” and she had a cat of her own by the time she was two years old. She was even known to squat in the litter box just like her cat did on more than one occasion! Amanda grew up on the lake and went sailing on a Hobie Cat with her father from the time she could fit into a life jacket. She had her ears pierced when she was five years old and throughout her life, Amanda always wore a ruby in one ear and a sapphire in the other. Amanda began playing soccer when she was seven years old, a passion that would remain with her for the rest of her life.
Life in the Wilson home was quite typical in many aspects. Amanda was the older sister who wouldn’t allow her brothers into her bedroom, which only made them try harder to sneak in, of course. Her younger brothers called her “Princess Running Mouth” since she never ran out of things to say. “Sister Mary Holy Water” was another of their favorite names, given because she ran around the house with a Rosary she was given by a friend.
For her education, Amanda attended the Gagie School in Kalamazoo where she was a good student and a friend to everyone. She went on to Paw Paw High School where she made excellent friends and played both tennis and soccer. Amanda continued her education at Hillsdale College and majored in biology. She loved college and being a member of Pi Beta Phi and although she had fun, she was never one to get into trouble. Her brothers said that her “princess” status followed her to college. Amanda’s college experience was greatly shaped by her mother’s cancer diagnosis. She came by to visit with her mother every chance she got, and she even begged to stay home from college to help her mother more.
After college, Amanda joined the family insurance business, Cameron Wilson, & Associates. It was also during this time that Amanda’s life was forever changed. One fateful day, Amanda went into the pro shop at Milham Park Golf Course where she noticed a “help wanted” sign on the door. A friend of hers applied for the job and was hired by a young man named Dean Marks. Dean always noticed when Amanda was on the course since she was always so happy, outgoing, and lively, and she was always accompanied by a bright smile, too. Amanda talked to Dean from time to time and was always impressed by his answers. It wasn’t long before their conversations became longer, and their relationship blossomed into something serious. After dating for a year or two, they were married on a beautiful summer day, July 17, 2004, at the Kalamazoo Country Club. Amanda was a beautiful bride who was so happy to be married.
With dreams for the future, the couple built a home in Mattawan, and they moved in shortly after Christmas in 2006. She also coached AYSO soccer in Paw Paw for an “under six” team called the Field Mice. From the moment Amanda and Dean found out they were expecting a baby, Amanda was thrilled since being a mother was always her deepest longing. She loved getting the house and all the things ready for his birth throughout her pregnancy. Their precious Patrick was born on August 25, 2009, and Amanda could not have been happier.
Throughout her life, Amanda nurtured and cared for others. When her mother became ill, she took care of anything her mother needed from cleaning, to cooking, to the laundry. Amanda always told Dean that her mother was her best friend and he was so good about giving her the freedom to be with her mother. Sadly, it was just in April of 2010 that the tables turned when Amanda became critically ill after suffering a brain hemorrhage. Amanda then asked her mother to help her. Amanda knew something was terribly wrong, and she told her mother to hurry to the hospital. It was there that she drew her last breath just a short time later. Even in her death, Amanda’s amazing ability to give to others will continue in a special way through the Gift of Life organ donor program.
There are not many people who have the ability to deeply touch the hearts and lives of countless people, but Amanda Marks was one such person. Her heart truly beat to love and care for others in any way she could. Everyone who knew Amanda could see the true joy she felt in becoming a mother to the precious little boy who was a dream come to life in the form of someone so perfect. She was blessed to experience what true love is from her earliest days in the relationships she shared with her parents and brothers, numerous friends throughout her life, and her beloved husband, Dean. Although Amanda’s friends and family have said goodbye, they find comfort in knowing that not only was she a gift to them, but that the miracle of life will be extended as a priceless gift to others as an outpouring of Amanda’s selfless heart. She will be so dearly missed and warmly remembered.
