Amanda Akin McRae

Amanda Lee Akin McRae (Mandy) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on July 15th, 2011. This native Austinite was born on January 16, 1977. In the words of a very dear friend, Mandy was the heart of her family. This extends well beyond her immediate family, blood relatives, in-laws and step-relations to the many, many communities of which she’s been a part. In her loss, this large extended family feels somehow small, though we will be forever grateful for what she brought to our lives, and the legacy she has left through her work, her compassion, her spirit, and her example.

Her impact began with the families with whom she grew up on Antler Lane, her fellow classmates at Spicewood Elementary, Canyon Vista Middle School, Westwood High School (Gymnastics and Theatre clubs), University of Texas (where she earned a BSW, BA in Anthropology, and Master of Social Work degrees; played lacrosse and later served on the adjunct faculty, teaching courses on Social Justice). It also includes all of the children she cared for hands on at the Austin Children’s Shelter, the animals and pets she raised and/or rescued, and the many persons she served, mentored, and collaborated with through her work for Communities in Schools (AISD 1999-2005), Round Rock ISD (Grant Supervisor (2006-2009), and Education Service Center XIII (Homeless Education Specialist 2009-2011).

Mandy’s love of dance began at a young age and she ultimately married her swing dance partner L. Burk McRae, Jr., in June of 2003. Their son Ashley Jacob was born in April of 2006. She and Burk taught dance lessons together, founded a performing dance company and were very active members of the Austin Swing Syndicate. Since her medical problems were initially diagnosed in 2008, she has awed and inspired all of those around her, including her health care professionals, with the bravery, resilience and optimism she somehow maintained even as her symptoms became more uncomfortable, disabling and life-threatening. Though this is a tremendous loss for all those who knew her, or whose lives have been touched by her work or her story, Mandy was truly a gift to us all, and we will forever be blessed to have had her with us.

In addition to her husband and son, she is survived by her parents John Akin (Nancy Davis) and Petrena Barnes (Terry); siblings Krystin, Cindy, John, Erin, Jessica, Alexandria; Grandmother Stella Wilbur, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Green burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Eloise Woods Cemetery in Cedar Creek. A Memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at The Texas Federation of Women's Club at 2312 San Gabriel Street in Austin.

In lieu of flowers, the family request you consider making a contribution to an education fund for Amanda's surviving 5 year old son. Donations may be made payable to Ashley Jacob McRae, account no. 586023971999, and sent or delivered for deposit to any Bank of America location, or mailed to the family at 11204 Antler Lane; Austin, TX 78726.