Obituary of Amanda McConnell

Amanda Hope McConnell was born on the morning of June 20, 1984 in Portland at Oregon Health Sciences University, the second oldest of nine children born to Mark and Julie McConnell. It was quickly realized that Amanda had a severe congenital heart defect. She required two open heart surgeries in her first 4 months of life and came home on December 26.

Amanda not only survived these serious surgeries in her infancy, but grew to be a very outgoing and happy little girl. She loved to laugh, sing and ride her bicycle. Her favorite times were with her family; at church, vacations, the church’s Family Camp in Wamic and trips to the beach.

As Amanda continued to grow, she outgrew the repairs on her newborn heart and required two more open heart surgeries, the last being in February of 1996. In September of 2012 Amanda was given a Melody Valve and that would be the last of repairs on her heart. In December of 2012 Amanda suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke and became severely disabled.

In the midst of serious illnesses and many hospitalizations, Amanda was a content, feisty, joyful and determined girl and young woman. She loved her family and her caregivers. She was anxious to go places and be part of every conversation. She kept a close eye on things and enjoyed laughing with and at those around her. Amanda loved music of all genres and slapstick comedy. She was comforted by prayer, reminders of God’s Word and her father reading to her. Each visit by a brother, sister, niece or nephew brought a laugh and a big smile to her face.

Following a brief, catastrophic illness, Amanda died in the presence of family, friends and caregivers in her home on September 23, 2021.

Amanda’s family is thankful to God for the life she was given, the joy she brought and the privilege of caring for her. They are eternally grateful for the prayers and support of the church. They give thanks also for loving and attentive caregivers who attended to Amanda’s every need. All of her life she was the beneficiary of caring, skilled and dedicated physicians, nurses and medical personnel who fought with her family to understand her needs and provide for her in the best way possible.

Amanda is survived by her parents, Mark and Julie McConnell, her siblings Evelyn Benington (Jason), Elias Comfort (Wadzi), Nathaniel McConnell, Christopher McConnell, Danielle Diedrick (Peter), Matthew McConnell (Jules), Joseph and Natalie McConnell; nieces and nephews Isabella, Adeleh, Lilly-Ann, Hazel, Penelope, Wolfe, Charles, Frederick and Zeke as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

All are welcome to attend her graveside service at River View Cemetery 300 S Taylors Ferry Rd, Portland, OR 97219 at 1pm, Monday, October 18, 2021. Those attending should arrive at approximately 12:45 pm to drive to the gravesite. The Memorial Service is also open to all at 3 pm, First Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 8245 NE Fremont, Portland, Oregon 97220. Immediately following the memorial service will be a video presentation and time of sharing remembrances of Amanda. A shared dish meal will follow the remembrance time.

The memorial service can be viewed online at:  http://tiny.cc/amandahopemcconnell