Amanda Elizabeth Mak

Amanda Elizabeth (Matafin) Mak, 36, of Mishawaka, passed away unexpectedly at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, surrounded by those who loved her dearly on September 19, 2025.
Born on October 16, 1988, in South Bend, Amanda was the beloved daughter of the late Gregory Charles Matafin, who always called her "the apple of his eye" and Vickie A. (Grant) Matafin of Mishawaka. Amanda graduated with honors from Penn High School in 2007, was chosen for the Hoosier Girl State competition in 2006, completed an internship with Disney in 2011, and later earned her degree from Indiana University of Ball State in Communications Technology in 2014.
Amanda was a passionate educator who made a difference in the lives of her students at John J. Young Middle School in Mishawaka. She had a deep love for the Japanese language and culture, having previously lived in Japan, and was known for her infectious laughter and gift for storytelling, especially when reading to children, a joy she carried from her classroom into everyday life.
On June 17, 2023, Amanda married the love of her life, David Mak, in a beautiful ceremony on the beach in Michigan City. While their plans were tragically cut short, their bond was strong and filled with true love, friendship, and a shared hope for the future.
Amanda's life was also deeply rooted in family. She cherished fond memories of "daddy-daughter" dates, particularly trips to root beer stands and peaceful afternoons fishing with her father. She also loved to go to the bookstore with her mother and sister as they cherished reading books, old or new, finding treasures amongst the stacks. Amanda adored animals and was a devoted pet lover, often advocating for their care and protection.
Amanda's light, compassion, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her loving husband, David Mak; her mother, Vickie Matafin; sister, Megan Barrett; brother, Jon (Tammy) Barrett; nieces and nephews: Kalei Wierzbicki, Conner Barrett, and Theresa Barrett; her aunt Sandra (Bob) Nawrocki; uncle Allen (Sherry) Grant; nephews Josh Wierzbicki and Allex Missik; mother-in-law Kristen Winkelstern; sister-in-law Jaqui Missik; and her beloved friends, Tamara, Andy, Landon, Vivian, and Quinn Shackelford, whom she loved as family.
Amanda was preceded in death by her father, Gregory Charles Matafin; her maternal grandparents, Rose Richards and Hoover Grant; and her paternal grandparents, Joseph and Monica Matafin.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, IN.
In honor of Amanda's deep love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to Pet Refuge, 4626 S. Burnett Dr., South Bend, IN 46614, or online at https://www.petrefuge.com/donate.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit: https://www.chapelhillmemorial.com/obituaries/