Amanda (Mandy) Carson

Peacefully on Dec. 28, 2019, Amanda (Mandy) Dawn Carson, beloved daughter of Gerald and Wendy Carson, sister of Chris (Amanda) passed away at the age of 35 years.

Lovingly remembered by her God Parents Uncle Jerry and Aunt Pat Fugate, Aunts and Uncles, Joan Carson, Sandra (Cathy) Carson, Pamela (Dennis)Krill, Mike (Meryle) Carson, Patty Osesky, Dianne Cardinal,  Connie (Barrie) Ewanyshyn, Carla ( Bernie) Jones, Sherry (Bill) McKay along with numerous cousins and close friends. She is missed by her close companion Stinkerbell (her cat).

She was predeceased by her Grandparents Bill and Jessie Carson, Ralph and Mary Fugate, Uncle Ed Carson, Aunt Lynn Carson, Uncle Neil Fugate, and cousin Dianna Carson.

Mandy was born on April 16, 1984, at Portage General Hospital. Shortly after her first birthday, the family moved to Oakville, where Mandy grew up. She was a happy energetic child who enjoyed music, figure skating and nursery school in her younger years. As she grew older her activities expanded to include piano lessons, playing volleyball, refereeing soccer, Knox United Explorers group and making friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her all-time favorite activity was sitting by the river with a fishing pole in her hand. Catching a bigger fish than her Dad or whoever was with her was the icing on the cake. She attended Portage Collegiate Institute in her teenage years, graduating in 2002.

Following High School, Mandy worked at Canadian Tire and Movie Gallery while furthering her education at Red River Community College.

In 2007, Mandy’s life was changed as a result of the injuries and trauma resulting from a collision caused by an impaired driver. As a result of the injuries, Mandy had to deal with pain and trauma on a daily basis. In spite of this Mandy continued to care for those in the world who were less fortunate. Whether it was through supporting the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle program, the Christmas Shoe Box program, MADD Walk, or Kids Club, Mandy was always there. Many times she would slip a busker or homeless person a $20 bill against her brother’s or Dad’s advice.

In 2013 Mandy became a soldier in the Salvation Army, a moment that was extremely important to her, and gave her the strength to carry on living the caring and generous lifestyle that defined her.

Mandy loved spending time with her brother Chris, whether it was camping, going to a show, watching a movie or just hanging out.  Her greatest joy came when she officiated at Chris and Amanda’s wedding.

As Mandy’s health deteriorated she continued to support others and promote MADD. She participated in MADD events and gave a very inspiring speech at what would turn out to be her last MADD walk.

As a result of injuries resulting from the collision, Mandy developed Cauda Equina Syndrome in 2017 and emergency spinal surgery was required to repair her spinal cord. Despite a long and painful recovery, Mandy remained as kind and thoughtful of others as she had always been.

Mandy’s greatest wish was that everyone would take a moment to consider the consequences of impaired driving and pledge never to drive impaired. As a family, we loved Mandy more than we can say – the hole in our hearts will never heal. We don’t want another family to lose someone as a result of impaired driving.

Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 1:00 pm, led by Major Brenda Coles. Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Mandy’s memory to REST-A-BIT Inc. c/o Prairie Vineyard, 107 Duke Ave., Portage la Prairie, Mb  R1N 0S5.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com