I had the great pleasure of having Amanda as a colleague at Payments Canada. I admired her for so many of her qualities. She valued authenticity and attached herself to people that showed themselves to be so.  She was so smart and complemented this with a very pragmatic approach on how to make things happen.  

She cared deeply about people and her work.  Mostly, you got a sense for how she cared for her family.  That was her greatest joy without a doubt.  I'm so very sad for her passing and my heart goes out to her family. I'm sure she left you a message of reassured strength, but it's such a big loss.  Blessings.    

My deepest condolences to Amanda's family and friends. Peace be with you.

I worked with Amanda at Payments Canada for several years. She was a people first leader who had a real passion for supporting her team and the programs/projects she was apart of. She will be incredibly missed and my sincere condolences to the McKay and Palmer families. 

Dear Matt and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
At this difficult time may you find solace in her goodness.
Our thoughts and prayers with you and your family
With kind regards
Harini and Lewis 


I have taken quite a long time to think about what I want to say about Amanda, perhaps because I am a private person especially in grief, but more likely because I still can't believe she is gone from this world. As I read the memories people had of her and listened to what people had to say about her, there is such a common theme. She lived her life deeply....she loved,  opened her heart, embraced, laughed, she was compassionate, caring, funny, beautiful, she adored Brian, was so very proud of her children, was a fabulous daughter and friend to her mom, a wonderful sister and she touched so many lives in such a deep and profound way. And as with others, that is how she touched me, very deeply and very profoundly. I have only known Amanda for three short years but from the day we met, in a small conference room at Payments Canada in Ottawa, we have spent hours focused on getting to know each other and those three years have become a lifetime. What a wonderful friend, what beautiful memories. I loved her so very much. And yes, aren't we the lucky ones indeed!  

Naya Rivera wrote: "Butterflies can't see their wings,they can't see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well." And Amanda my friend you are so very much like that. You will be forever in our hearts. 

Amanda was a dear friend with an inspiring and exhilarating love for life. 
I cannot imagine how hard this is for family and everyone close to her. My sincere condolences.


Brian,
I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. 
Elizabeth

I am a friend of Matt’s from online. I remember one time he got scolded for his grades, but he had accidentally left his mic on so we heard it. It left the impression that she was a great mother. Love from Massachusetts. -Chenz

To all those who knew Amanda:  
I am deeply sorry for your great loss.  Amanda was a bright light whether on a  Nia dance floor or at a garden party.   She will be missed.
 “May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill your heart with beauty, may hope forever wipe away your tears.” -(Chief Dan George)

Barbara Carriere



Sending condolences to all family and friends of Amanda.  I knew her through the joyful and uplifting dance of Nia and will remember her for all the dance I am blessed to have shared with her...

Fly high, dear Amanda!

Brian , thinking of you today , sorry for your loss

Chris & Shirlee Weeks

I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Amanda's passing.  We met through the Nia (dance) community and she was always so bubbly and friendly...she was a pleasure to be around. Sending heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, I know she will be very missed.

Brian,
Our deepest condolences on behalf of Cowater International.
We are thinking of you.

the EDM team

Brian, Matthew and Caitlin and family,

My deepest condolences to  you.  I only had the pleasure of meeting and working with Amanda for a short time.  She was truly a special and outstanding person who made others (me) feel special.   She will forever be in my heart.

Sylvia De Souza



Amanda was one of our Nia sisters. I loved the way she moved and communicated. Such spirit and grace. I know how much dancing means to you, Amanda. Dance on, wherever you are! You'll be dearly missed.

Hi Brian and family, We are sorry to hear about Amanda's passing. She was taken too soon. However, she can now rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with Amanda's and your families. Caroline and Ted

I had the very good fortune of working with Amanda at Payments Canada.  In that brief time I found her to be an amazing, compassionate and genuine person as  well as a consummate professional.  I miss her dropping into my office for chocolates and a chat.  She always found time to see how I was doing, talk about our respective families and friends and it always lifted my spirits.   

You are truly the lucky ones.  My deepest condolences.

I count myself very lucky to have worked with Amanda at numerous employers, where we would strategize, brainstorm, plan and then 'for afters' would generally set the world to rights. I have been especially lucky to have spent the past few years in her company, to have her friendship, her guidance and counsel, and always her care. Her superpower is that ever-present care and how she made me and others feel. 

She will be greatly missed.

Our deepest condolences to Matt and the rest of the MacKay family.  Our thoughts are with you all during this deeply sad time. Eric and Orchidea McCully

I knew Amanda from the Retail group at Innovapost. I remember her as one of the most energetic and thoughtful people I had ever met. It was a true joy to work with her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.

Brian, Matt, Caitlin, Dawn, and family, no words can comfort you right now but may God ease the pain and may He give you Peace. 
Amanda was so much more, she was larger than life.  I will cherish the time I got to spend with her and the family.  Amanda you will be dearly missed. 
May you rest in God's loving arms. 

Brian and Family:
We are so sorry for the loss of Amanda.  When I think of her, I always remember the impression of class, sophistication and grace that she held effortlessly.  I know that there is a rocky road that you all must travel, but I am also sure that the beautiful memories you have of Amanda will carry you through this most difficult time.

Affectionately,
Carol and Fred Stanzel

To Amanda's family, friends and work colleagues (past and present), my thoughts are with you all as you pause this week to absorb all the expressions of love and grace for Amanda that everyone will share, and reflect on the many ways she made this world a better place.

I was so impressed by everything Amanda stood for, and her strong spirit.  Amanda took the time when she was on medical leave to personally deliver a hug when I needed it the most after our youngest son died.  

I recently came across this beautiful quote from Maya Angelou and I think this sums it up the best.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Thinking of you all
Sue Kavanagh

Words, however kind, can’t heal your broken heart right now but may you find peace and comfort with those who share your incredible loss.
We are so saddened to hear of Amanda’s passing. Her warmth and kindness was always front and centre and we are all truly the lucky ones to have known her. May you find strength in the love of family and in the support of friends. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Much love, Cherisse, Dean, Saskia & Sadie
xo

Amanda was a friend, colleague and mentor.  I’d say we worked together at Payments Canada, but really we had fun, met challenges, achieved, and struggled together.  There wasn’t a problem she could help solve and there wasn’t a success she wouldn’t celebrate.  I learned a lot about work and leadership from Amanda, but even more about life.  Thank you.  You are missed, my dear friend.  My deep condolences to all of your family and friends.

I worked closely with Amanda during our years at Innovapost while serving the Canada Post Retail line of business. We shared perspectives, project goals, challenges, opinions, and she was always willing to listen and to offer the best of what she had. After Retail, she became a trusted professional confidant and a great friend. She will be sorely missed but I hold and cherish many wonderful memories and lessons.

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Amanda far too soon.   My deepest condolences goes out to all of her family and friends.  I had the pleasure of working with Amanda and as you are well aware she was very caring,  passionate and of course dedicated.   Amanda was a special person and although, like everyone else today, I am very sad, I will cherish the memories.  

John Reis

Mandy was a shining light to work with at Espial.  The world has lost a delightful woman. 

Amanda was one of my dearest friends.  She was a strong, charismatic, brilliant individual. She led with vision and purpose - led teams through the forest, gave a helping hand when things were going awry, held a hand and gave a shoulder to cry when one was down.  She was trustworthy - you could tell her anything, confide in her she would give her honest opinion and keep everything under lock and key.  You've made a lasting impression on me. I hope one day I can be half the person you were.  You will always be in my heart and memories.

I worked a number of years with Amanda as a colleague while at Espial. I remember being on the road with her for tradeshows, partner visits and being on so many meetings and conference calls over the years.  All fond memories. Will miss her dearly. My sincerest condolences to  Amanda's family. Rest in Peace Amanda. 

It is a rarity for one person to be as full of grace, resilience, and genuine kindness as Amanda was. A force to be reckoned with, an amazing mentor and friend--she believed so much in showing us all our potential and nurturing it.  Her calm demeanor, warmth, and hilarious wit were infectious. She was a true blessing. 
My sincere condolences to Amanda's family and loved ones; I hope you find comfort in knowing that you are surrounded by the love and joy she instilled in all she did, and brought out in everyone she knew. 

As a Payments Canada colleague and friend to many, Amanda showed us that we can choose to not let cancer close doors. We can use it to open them. Throughout her journey, she opened the door to compassionate, honest conversations that helped establish a level of trust and connection that will continue to support us through the times when work and life are hardest. May she rest in peace.

Sending my deepest condolences to Amanda’s family. Natasha, I know how much you cared for your sister and she was fortunate to have your energy with her. 

There are no words to heal the grief felt at the passing of a loved one. But I have found that sharing stories and remembering a life well lived is a beautiful gift that keeps on giving. 

I met Amanda a couple of times and her presence was always warm and inviting. 

Thinking of you all and sending warm hugs Natasha. 

Kindest Regards

Bahia

I met Amanda through work during her time at time at Innovapost.  She was wonderful to work with but more than that she also became a good friend.  We shared a lot of stories about our lives and families, she was a kind, caring lady.  My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.  

Amanda was my daughter Dahlia’s first ballet teacher. Over the years even when my daughter left to train at another dance studio, she continued to encourage her and cheered her on. Amanda was more than just a teacher- she was our friend, and a huge support to me in my own time of need and will be truly missed. Thank you for letting us get to know you and your beautiful soul. We will always remember you and how you have impacted our lives.

Dahlia, Suham and Azhar

Amanda was my daughter Shaelyn ‘s first ballet teacher.
What a beautiful way to start dance with such a loving person! Her gentle spirit and “good toes - bad toes” will forever have an impact.
Our sincere condolences to all of you and much love to “Miss Caitlyn” from Shaelyn.
Heaven just gained another beautiful soul.
Karen, Paul & Shaelyn Carriere


Amanda has been a special person in my life for almost 20 years and will continue to be in my life as long as I live. She was on the "Dance moms" as our children fondly called us. Words cannot describe how intertwined our lives were. We laughed together, cried together, attended untold number of dance recitals and shows, sewed costumes, made props, worked backstage, went for drinks, had family dinners, Christmas open houses. Our friendship continued long after our children stopped dancing together which is a testament to Amanda's personality and warmth. I will always miss her but know that she is a part of me and will therefore always be with me.

OBITUARY

Amanda Jane McKay

17 September, 1965 – 31 July, 2021

McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home and Chapel

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