Amanda Wells Martin

June 8th, 1962 - October 17th, 2020

Memorial

Mementos

It is with great sadness that the family of Amanda Wells Martin announces her sudden and untimely death on October 17, 2020 in Boulder, Colorado. Amanda was born in Denver, Colorado on June 8, 1962 to John and Ruth Martin and lived primarily in New Haven, Connecticut until returning to Colorado in 2012 to accompany her mother. Amanda was a talented and creative artist. She graduated with a major in art history from Smith College and also attended the University of Colorado and Rhode Island School of Design. Her primary focus was in graphic design, printmaking, textiles and photography. She was also an avid music lover and helped design, photograph and create materials for several bands. We hope to share some of her work via the memorial site below as we gather a collection that celebrates her vision and talent as an artist and designer. Along with New Haven and Boulder, Amanda also enjoyed time in New York City, Providence, and the Bay Area of California. While in New Haven, she was active in the Yale community as well as the Garden Club, Arts Council and numerous other groups. Recently, in Boulder, she was active with the Shambhala Center, KGNU community radio, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts, and the Boulder County Democrats. As a ‘people person' she was always happiest when she was out and about, engaging with folks about everything from politics to gardening to spiritual well being. When not volunteering or working on her art, her other passions were swimming, tennis, her cats and going to see live music. Amanda was preceded in death by her parents John and Ruth. She is survived by her brother William ‘Bill', sister-in-law Marianne, and nephews Rowan and Mattias of Louisville, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, we would like to ask that donations be made to the Boulder Shambhala Center, where she found much peace, or to KGNU, which reflects her love of music and independent radio. We have created this ‘ GatheringUs' memorial to celebrate the life of Amanda Wells Martin. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer great comfort. As we plan for either virtual or in person gatherings, we will share details here. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.

Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Amanda’s life with a heartfelt message.

Amy Weinstein

All, I was just getting to know Amanda through our mutual volunteer work with the Boulder County Democrats. I had the opportunity to share a handful of conversations with her as we were gearing up for the GOTV season, as the election was nearing. I know she was excited for the upcoming election and committed to her important role that she played as an Area Coordinator, working with precinct leaders and the party to make a difference in voter turn-out. I was very sad that I had not had the opportunity to get to know her more as we discovered in the few months we knew each other that we shared an art and graphic design background. It is always good to have artist friends when you are an artist and I was looking forward to our new friendship. Amanda has become emblazoned in my memory of the 2020 election as someone who truly was a contributor in life and in the election. She is missed around the Boulder County Dems and I'm sure in many other places and by many people.

Published February 15th, 2021

Ginny Kingsley Kapner

Dear Bill, I am so so sorry to hear that Amanda has passed. I have so many fond memories of hanging out at your house in New Haven in its prime location across from Foote and a few doors down from our piano teacher who really taught us about opera. Amanda's knowledge of music spanned centuries and decades and rivaled her knowledge and appreciation of visual arts. I am so glad that I got to see her art show at The Lawn Club. I am particularly sorry that your children won't get to know her as adults but I am sure they have already benefited from her presence in their lives. I am sure she was a really fun, creative and loving aunt. She certainly was a wonderful friend and I will miss her insights and perpective and of course her sense of humor. Thank you and Marianne for making this memorial. Please let me know if I can be of help. Love, Ginny

Published December 11th, 2020

Marianne Martin

Published October 21st, 2020

Margaret Smith

Hi All, Ginny just sent me this link yesterday. I had no idea that Amanda had passed away in October, otherwise I would have written sooner. Although our lives drifted apart, especially after I moved to Austria, Amanda was one of my closest and most influential childhood friends. We spent hours creating our "Mouse Houses," together - making miniature furniture, art work, wallpaper, textiles and costumes. It was a huge creative outlet for me - and, of course, Amanda's great idea not mine! I was very lucky to have a friend to share artistic projects like that with. And have so many great memories of all the time I spent at the Martins' home - The ice tea spoons! Being allowed to stay up late for those early years of Saturday Night Live, which my parents never would have allowed. It was all a fun escape for me. Love, Margaret

Published December 13th, 2020

Meredith Madri

Dear Bill & Marianne & Twins, I'm stunned and saddened to hear of Amanda's passing. She came to Santa Fe to visit me last fall. Thinking of you all during these difficult and sad times. Please do not hesitate to reach out. Much Love, Meredith Madri

Published December 3rd, 2020