She passed away after a courageous life, and her loved ones will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Mandy’s love of life didn’t come to an end with her death. Even in her waning hours, she was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of her journey here on earth. Mandy had strong beliefs in which she never waivered, and was known for her timeless words of wisdom, including “Life is hard, but it’s harder if you’re stupid.” What she lacked in stature, she compensated with an over-abundance of charisma, charm, and feistiness. She was generous to a fault, a softy at heart, and yet she sugar-coated absolutely nothing. She always told you the truth, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. She was highly proficient at winning her disputes. Mandy was world-renowned for her lack of patience, not holding back her opinion, and had a knack for telling it like it is. She was a connoisseur of delicious meals and a firm believer that sandwiches should only be served on the best bread that could be found, and of course smothered in butter.

The simplest pleasures in life brought pure happiness to Mandy. You may recall discussions with her that touched your heart, tickled your funny bone, or maybe made you say “huh?” She took pride and joy in sharing time with her loved ones, loved coffee milk shakes, terrific TV shows, hanging out with her children and grandchild, playing a challenging game, and cuddling her cats.

Above all, Mandy spoke – to everyone, about everything. She was born on February 9, 1966, in Montreal, Quebec, and was a strong and independent person with a big heart. Her loss will be deeply felt, and her larger-than-life personality and tremendous sense of humor will not be forgotten.

The family of Amanda (Mandy) Leigh Barone (née Barrows) of Edmonton, Alberta, shares the news of her passing, on Octo(or as she would say stardate 75241.4).

Soul Protector by Amanda Leigh Cowley