Amanda Lea McCauley

Our beloved Amanda Lea McCauley passed from this Earth on November the 23rd, 2022, at 2:00PM in the afternoon at age 35. Her life was a trial of endurance which ended peacefully, surrounded by family both born and chosen. Amanda was adamant that we do not focus on the end of her life, but rather how she lived. This is how she lived:
Amanda was born on December 29th, 1987, premature at 29 weeks, weighing just 2 pounds and 9 ounces. She always said 29 was her lucky number. She graduated from Marinette High School with high marks and attended college at the UW-Marinette campus, only stopping once her physical limitations became too great. Ever a life-long learner, Amanda continued her education with free online courses through prestigious institutions like Brown and MIT.
Despite frequent, often painful setbacks, Amanda refused to relinquish her fervor for life. Whether it was riding ATVs with her father and siblings, roller coasters at Six Flags, tubing on the river, parasailing in Florida or enjoying the "scary" rides at Disney World, Amanda loved adventure.
Amanda relished the performing arts, frequently attending plays, concerts, and cultural events at the region's theatrical venues. This year she attended her 9th and final performance of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Green Bay, a favorite holiday tradition.
She also enjoyed rooting for the Green Bay Packers, even attending a few coveted games at Lambeau Field throughout the years.
A dedicated animal lover, Amanda cherished her family's pet dogs, and everyone else's pets, too. Often visitors would bring their dogs, bunnies, and once, a chicken to her house for a visit (though later Amanda stated she probably would be OK without a pet chicken). She enjoyed feeding the deer, birds, and rabbits outside her home, watching the spectacle of local wildlife unfold with a glass of wine and a warm fire.
More than anything, Amanda loved her family. She cherished attending the annual family reunion, cooking up ways to delight the most recent crop of children with pinatas filled with treats and toys. Every year she created handmade gifts for family members, often referencing their niche personal interests or an inside joke shared between them.
Thirty-five years were far too few to have Amanda on this planet. Her infectious laughter, dark sense of humor, acerbic wit, and unrelenting compassion were a gift to anyone lucky enough to know her. If you called her a friend, you were deeply and fiercely loved. Although Amanda's body was confined to a wheelchair, her spirit was indomitable. All who were loved by Amanda now carry this spirit with them.
Amanda is survived by her parents, Randy and Cindy (Birginal) McCauley, siblings Alicia McCauley (Simon Kellman) and Adam McCauley, Grandmother Lois McCauley and Grandfather James Birginal. She was preceded in death by Grandfather Donald H. McCauley and Grandmother Betty Birginal. She is also survived by a large extended family, and an even larger chosen family.
Amanda's family wishes to thank all the dedicated caregivers who grew to love and cherish our Amanda. We are especially grateful to the group who supported her at the end of her life: Lexy, Sara, Dawn, Katie and Sophie. All of the compassionate women who cared for Amanda throughout her lifetime, whom she referred to as "my hands", helped her live a life far beyond the limitations society tried set for her. We express deep gratitude to Amanda's nurse practioner Marianne Meinhardt, for her unrelenting compassion and support. We thank Unity Hospice for all they did for Amanda and our family over her final few months. For all of you, we are grateful beyond expression.
Services for Amanda will be held at Holy Family Parish-Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Marinette on November 30th, 2022. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM. Immediately following the services, the family invites all who loved her to join us at the Holy Family social center for lunch and sharing memories of our beloved Amanda. In spring of 2023, per Amanda's wishes, a celebration of her life including fireworks and loud music, will be held in her honor.