Amanda Russell (Bourque), also known as Manders, Mandy, Fridgie and Buttercup (she wasn’t a fan) decided to check out what secrets were hidden behind the sky around brunch time on April 6, 2015. Over the past five and a half years, she “ruled the school” in an arm wrestling match with cancer, and showed the world who was boss. It was not Tony Danza.
With an incredible sense of style and grace, she taught all who encountered her to love big, love hard and to wear great shoes. Her fan club was large and constantly growing; because no matter who sat across from her-she made them feel completely at ease, and was able to bring out everyone’s individual strengths. She turned friendships into family-ships; she was the real deal. Even when she was ill, she worried about us. If any of us had snot coming out of our faces and horrible hair she would let us know we were beautiful. She meant it, she always did.
Amanda will be remembered by her many talents and interests, the most important of which the writers of this blurb could never quantify or describe. You’ll have to believe us on this one. In a wholehearted attempt to illustrate-here is a list in no particular order: tinkering with old technology, learning new technology, rebuilding broken bits and bobbles, coloring, duct tape in every color, hats, throwing the proverbial “bird”, tattoos, animals, ginger chews, taking photos of people in “unique outfits”, brutal honesty, X-Files, making quilts because she can and why not, having the best hair ever, sneaking into your heart and making it bigger than you thought was possible, remembering birthdays, Halloween, Bob Ross videos (they are totally zen) texting like a fiend, sneakers, coffee, sarcasm, Dolly Copp, long car rides, her pup Manley and kitten trio Karma/Oliver/Azreal, teaching others what resilience truly is, obsessing over music, speaking through lyrics and much more that there aren’t enough words for. The loss is big. Work with us here.
Because Amanda was an infinitely thoughtful gal whose impact on others was too big to contain – she left an Amanda sized hole in our hearts (for reference – imagine the universe) A few of these people affected by this superhuman of awesomeness include her wife Kelly Russell, father Gerry Bourque and step-mom Debbie, sisters, Crystal Aubut & hubby Mike and Lisa Bourque with hubby Ian, grandmother Ruth (Loupie) Bourque, sisters from other uteruses (you know who you are) her favorite lil dudes, Isaiah, Rivir & Ryan, and an endless amount of other people,who are proud to say they are members of the best fan club for one of the best people – ever. Her grandfather Gerry Bourque Sr. and her pups Cali and Rift were scheduled to meet her in the ether, they are currently showing her the ropes.
To those who didn’t know her, just know that someone insanely fantastic was here.
A celebration of Amanda’s life will be held at Dolly Copp at a date to be announced, all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please visit and donate to Amanda’s Go Fund Me Page (because cancer is unnecessarily expensive) www.gofundme.com/amanda-russell or send cards and any much appreciated funds to Kelly Russell, PO Box 342, Center Conway, NH 03813 (Also thank you to all who have already donated and sent so much love our way. We love you right back.)