Amanda Connor remembered as loving mum, record holder after death from ovarian cancer
She was a record-setter, sports lover, and a devoted mother of three. Tributes are flowing for an Alice Springs woman who has died after a short battle with cancer.
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A devoted mother of three is being remembered for always putting her boys first, her love of sports, and the numerous athletic records she set in Alice Springs.
Amanda Connor (nee McLean), 35, died on Monday surrounded by family after a short battle with ovarian cancer.
She spent her final moments with husband Adam by her side, who described his wife as a loving mother to their three boys, and two dachshunds.
“She put the boys at the front of everyday living for her … her work and career came second,” he said.
Juggling the business of life with three children did not stop Amanda from graduating with honours from Charles Sturt University with a degree in Human Science.
Mr Connor said his wife had not wanted to work in government without the “education to back (her) up”.
“She said, ‘I want to be there because I’ve earned it’,” he said.
Obtaining her degree put her on the radar for a number of big organisations in town, who were head hunting her.
Amanda’s mother Carmy McLean said she had admired her strong-willed daughter, who was always willing to give something new a go.
“She knew her children and husband were her priorities; but her family values, she never, ever forgot,” Mrs McLean said.
“She just touched everybody’s heart.”
Mr Connor said some of his favourite memories included the many holidays they had taken together – including going to Ibiza – Amanda’s dream holiday.
Mrs McLean and Mr Connor said they were grateful for the support the Alice Springs community had shown them in the wake of Amanda’s diagnosis and death.
After Amanda’s diagnosis, the Red Centre rallied behind the Connor family, with a mycause fundraiser showing a total of almost $120,000 raised.
Amanda was also a cherished member of many sporting communities, in particular the Alice Springs Netball Association, where her death was marked with black armbands.
She was a proud member of the Wests Netball Club and was respected and admired by the greater community.
“Amanda was a proud local of Alice Springs, a devoted wife and mother to her three beautiful young boys,” the Alice Springs Netball Association said in a social media post.
“Her warmth, strength, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Amanda’s family, friends, teammates, and all those whose lives she touched. Rest peacefully, Amanda, you will never be forgotten.”
Amanda was also a keen athlete, having competed at a national level in athletics for both South Australia and the Northern Territory.
She frequently competed across the 100m, 200m and 400m events, winning the bronze medal for the 100m at the 2007 Arafura Games.
She was also a part of the U16 girl’s 4 x 100m relay team that broke the NT record with a time of 49.35 seconds, a mark that also surpassed the U18 and U20 records.
“Amanda was a bright, happy, compassionate, and genuine person,” the South Australian Athletic League wrote.
“She was incredibly strong and down to earth, remaining a supportive friend to many both on and off the track.
“Amanda was a loving mother to her three boys, a devoted wife to Adam, an avid netballer, junior soccer coach, and a valued member of her community.
“Taken far too soon. Amanda, you will be deeply missed by all who knew you.”
A funeral will be announced at a later date.
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Originally published as Amanda Connor remembered as loving mum, record holder after death from ovarian cancer
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