Amanda Anderson Meyer

Amanda was born on January 4, 1977, in New Brighton, Minnesota. Early in her life, she moved with her family to Aitkin, MN which became her home. She grew up loving the outdoors, spending time with her family and friends, and playing sports, especially basketball and volleyball. She also enjoyed golfing and spending time on the lakes around her hometown. Early life was centered around family activities, and she came from a large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

After graduating from high school, Amanda attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned a degree in journalism. Post college, she lived and worked in the Twin Cities. Amanda met her future husband, Chris, at his cousin's and Amanda's friend's wedding in Aitkin. Eventually she relocated to Portland, Oregon, where her life with Chris began. They were married in 2005 and had two beautiful children, Maxwell and Finley. Amanda was an exceptional wife and mother; she so loved her family and time together.

Professionally, Amanda primarily pursued a career in financial services. Her persistence, determination, and willingness to work hard led her from starting as an administrative assistant to helping lead marketing and operations efforts for EFG Asset Management (North America). Along the way, she also got certified and worked as a personal trainer at Hyatt Training. She had a passion for that and only stepped away when the disease stole the physical energy that she felt she needed to do the job properly. And lastly, she ran a side business with her sister, Amie, and father, Jim. Together they made necklaces made from Lake Superior agates that her father found and sculpted them into polished marbles.

At every stop, she connected with many people who would become great friends…too many to list. She cherished those friendships and experiences. She loved connecting with them over a meal, glass of wine, walks/runs in Forest Park, or FaceTime.

In November 2017, Amanda was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, which eventually developed into AML (leukemia). Despite her diagnosis, Amanda remained determined and positive. We had no idea that this would eventually cut her life too short. But it could’ve been shorter. She bucked the odds and continued to live for approximately 2 more years than we were told. Amanda was determined to never give up and to make it to one of her boy’s next birthdays. She did this and made it to the next 4. It wasn’t in her to give up, and she never did. On more than a couple of occasions, her doctors told her that she didn’t need to continue the fight, but that never crossed her mind. Her fight was the one thing she could control and she never let up. Ever.

Amanda loved spending time outdoors, whether she was on the lake, rock climbing, golfing, hiking, or skiing. Her favorite sanctuary was Forest Park, especially with friends. Walking or running those trails was her happy place. More recently, we would kayak around the local rivers and lakes.

Above all, Amanda loved her boys and husband. As her fight continued, she made sure to enjoy moments with them. Whether it was the daily walks with her husband, playing cards with the family, watching the boys' soccer and basketball games, or the mini vacations to Sunriver, Black Butte, Brasada, or the Oregon coast. Because of her constant care needs, she couldn’t travel far, but she was determined to make memories with her husband and children. A favorite family activity was watching the Portland Timbers together at home in front of the TV.

Amanda is survived by her husband, Chris Meyer; her children, Maxwell and Finley; her parents, James and Paulette Anderson; her sisters, Amie Anderson Coleman and Angie Ryan; and her nieces and nephews, Elle, Zoe, and Sophia.

It's hard to summarize Amanda in just a few words. They seem inadequate to convey how big she lived and loved. And how greatly she is loved and missed by everyone who knew her... Always kind, compassionate, and determined, she is an inspiration to us all; her memory lives on in all of us forever.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Meyer family.