Tribute

Amanda passed away into the presence of her Lord on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude & joy with the memories of her being a special aunt, sister & friend, and yet saddened by our loss.

Amanda was born in Glenbush, Saskatchewan, the youngest of six children to Agatha and Abram Paetkau. She later moved with her family to Elm Creek, Manitoba where she completed high school.

She trained as a nurse at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, graduating in 1956, and went on to earn her Public Health Certificate from the University of Saskatchewan. Amanda’s nursing career included work in Steinbach and Winnipeg, where she served as a public health nurse, worked with the VON (Victorian Order of Nurse) , and later worked at Grace Hospital caring for mothers and newborns in maternity and nursery units. Caring for others, especially babies and young families, was a lifelong calling.

In 1979, Amanda moved to Abbotsford, where she continued her work in healthcare and later devoted many years to caring for her mother. Even in retirement, she remained a caregiver at heart, supporting families with triplets  and volunteering her time.

Amanda valued her relationships deeply. She shared a special companionship with Art Heppner and became closely connected to his family. She also maintained strong connections with her nieces and nephews, always keeping in touch through calls, texts, and visits.

She enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and creative hobbies such as cross-stitch embroidery, quilting, and sewing. In her later years, she made her home at Menno Place – Terrace East, where she formed meaningful friendships.

Amanda’s faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life. Her care for others was evident in all she did.

Amanda was predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Agatha and Elsie; her brothers, Al, Abe, and Harold; and her special friend, Art Heppner.

She is lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law, Margaret Petkau and Martha Petkau; her eight nieces and nephews: Carolyn Koop (Bill), Howard Froese (Sheryl), Rob Froese (Dianne), Ken Froese (Heidi), Wes Petkau (Melanie), Wilma Dirks (Charles), Norm Petkau (Gabrielle), Don Petkau(Rhianon), and their families; and her very special friends, Cathy and Keith Heppner, Marissa & Joel.

We are grateful for Amanda’s life and the love she shared so generously.

A Celebration of Amanda’s  life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Central  Heights Church, 1611 McCallum Rd, Abbotsford.