Obituary of Amanda Louise Beckett

We have been blessed to have the beautiful Amanda ‘Mandi’ Louise Beckett in our lives for 26 years. Born October 19^th, 1992 in Saint John to Donald ‘Donnie’ and Carro ‘Carrie’ (Day) Beckett, Mandi started her journey through this life. From the very beginning, she was a gift. She made a mark on all those she met. Surrounded by friends and family, she was lovingly handed into the arms of Jesus on Monday, May 20^th, 2019.

At the tender age of seven, Mandi and her family began a long battle with Batten Disease. It took her eyesight first, but that didn't stop her from living a full and determined life. She was strong and resilient through every stage. In her younger years Mandi was very active, being involved in activities like highland dance, swimming, diving, gymnastics, horseback riding, piano lessons, scrapbooking, quilting, travelling to Florida, cooking, camping and always being the joyful spirit at family gatherings.

Mandi graduated from Harbour View High School in 2010 where she received a standing ovation from all in attendance. She was able to graduate with Honours and walk across the stage blind to receive her diploma.

Batten Disease slowly began to take her independence, but never stole her spirit. Mandi got to enjoy the fullness that life has to offer with the help of family and a dear friend Lori Hudson who took her on many adventures as she began to decline.

As the disease relentlessly marched on, it took her mobility and her ability to speak, but she never lost her trade mark sense of humour; always giggling and smiling at even our silliest jokes.

The beloved Miss Mandi was cared for at home until the final goodbye. We could not have done this without the tremendous support of all the various caregivers over the years; family, friends, homecare workers, nurses, doctors and the palliative care team. Missy and Dawn Dawn are to be specially mentioned for their many hours of tender love and care.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the entire extramural team that also provided care for Mandi, with a special thank you to RN Ralph Johnson who continuously gave exceptional support to our family throughout the duration of this journey. We would also like to extend a special thank you Mary Elderkin, a caregiver that has walked with our family through the death of Mandi’s grandfather, cared for Mandi’s grandmother and in the more recent years cared for our special Mandi. You have become family to us.

We would also like to thank all those who have sent your love, prayers and gifts of food during these last difficult weeks.

Mandi is survived by her parents, Carrie and Donnie Beckett, her siblings Jessica Chessie (Randy) of Meductic, Jaclynn Beckett (Ian Drijber) of Saint John, and Jeremy Beckett (Jocelyn) of Grand Bay- Westfield, her paternal grandmother Eleanor Beckett of Saint John, and her uncle and aunt (who are her honorary grandparents) Gary and Dawn Tibbetts of Grand Bay-Westfield. She is also survived by her five darling nieces Arielle Chessie, Jemma Beckett, Jaelynn Beckett, Mikaela Chessie and Carly Chessie and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Donald E. Beckett and maternal grandparents, Perley and Margaret Day.

Mandi is resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) where visitation will be held on Thursday, May 23^rd, 2019 from 2:00pm-8:00pm. The funeral service will be held from Brenan’s chapel on Friday May 24^th, 2019 at 10:00am with reception to follow. Interment will take place at the Browns Flat United Baptist Cemetery following the reception.

For those who wish, remembrances to the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation, Canadian Deaf and Blind Association, CNIB, the IWK Hospital or a donation to an organization of your choice would be appreciated by the family and online with condolences can be placed at www.brenansfh.com

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