Amanda Knight
It is with the deepest of condolences to our CLA President David Knight and his dear wife, Gayle that we acknowledge the passing of their daughter, Amanda. Amanda grew up on Clary Lake. David has been a solid and supporting hand in lake business during these past few years, all the while shouldering the heavy load of concern and care for a child struggling. David and Gayle made numerous trips to Vermont where Amanda lived with her wife, Carrie and their beloved child, Kastle. Through all of this he found time, where he could, to stay in touch with Association business and keep us informed of progress and setbacks. Alas, Amanda’s obituary is included below. Please keep David and Gayle and their family in your hearts and be kind to one another.
Amanda E. Knight December 2, 1986 – February 19, 2023
(Age 36) 12/02/1986-02/19/2023 Our abundantly loved wife, momma, daughter, granddaughter, niece, friend and coworker has laid down her burdens, pain and suffering and gained her wings. Amanda entered this world as an immense gift to her loving parents, David and Gayle Knight. As a child, Amanda enjoyed horseback riding, dance classes, playing baseball, and enjoying the great outdoors. Amanda always spoke fondly of growing up on the lake in Maine; swimming, boating, fishing, and snowmobiling. She would often tell stories of learning to be a creative Ms. Fix It with her father and driving her mother wild with worry with her spunky and mischievous adventures. Amanda attended Husson University where she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. She went on to use this degree to enhance the quality of life for countless adults in eldercare facilities. For the majority of Amanda’s career, she worked alongside an amazing and supportive team of coworkers at Starr Farm Nursing Center, later known as Elderwood at Burlington. Amanda also spent two years as a traveling occupational therapist, touring the country in an RV with her wife, Carrie. Amanda met Carrie in 2014 and the two married on October 8, 2016. They honeymooned in Ireland, England and Scotland where they toured the countryside enjoying many sites, mainly current castles and several castle ruins. After travelling together, they returned to Vermont and bought a home in Richmond.
On December 5, 2019, Amanda gave birth to their incredible child, Kastle Lennon. Amanda, Carrie and Kastle enjoyed a simple, quiet and love-filled life with their fur babies. Amanda’s favorite pass-times were playing and snugging with Kastle, taking drives and listening to music with Carrie, and sitting around a campfire with a few friends or family members, telling stories and laughing. Amanda was not one for drama and she kept her circle small, but if you were lucky enough to be in it, you were loved fiercely and without judgement. Amanda lived every healthy day to its fullest.
Unfortunately, on May 13, 2021, Amanda was diagnosed with triple negative metastatic breast cancer. Amanda had reported her concerns to several of her health care providers for 6 months before the simple, proper testing was ordered. By this time, the disease had spread, making it much more difficult to treat. Despite this devastating news, Amanda stood strong with her competent and compassionate team of doctors at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She fought hard for 22 months. A simple, everyday mammogram at the onset of symptoms could have changed the entire trajectory and ultimately the untimely ending of Amanda’s life. If nothing else, Amanda would want everyone to remember to listen to their inner voices and advocate for themselves, even when assured by trusted health care providers. For 36 years, her bright and beautiful light shone upon everyone who was lucky enough to meet her. Her smile could light up any room; and she used it often. We are so thankful for every day, every hour, every minute and every smile we got to share with her. Amanda was and always will be the brightest light.
Amanda is survived by her wife, Carrie Knight and child, Kastle Knight, of Richmond, Vermont; her parents, David and Gayle Knight, of Jefferson, Maine; her maternal grandmother, Elnora Pike; her aunts Kathy, Cheryl, Lois, Barbara, Wilma, Karla and Leann, her uncles Donald, James, Kurt, Jeffrey, Bret and Robert; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Thomas and Sarah Haselton; her niece and nephew Charlotte and Emmitt Haselton; her best friend, Tessa Pyles; her close friend and extraordinary nanny to Kastle, Jess Deforge, and many other friends and coworkers. A celebration of life will occur at 2:30 PM on March 4, 2023 at the Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot Street, Richmond, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in support of Amanda’s family at https://gofund.me/10c914el. Arrangements are in care of Gifford Funeral Home, 22 Depot Street, Richmond, VT.
This Obituary was originally posted on the Burlington Free Press.