My friendship with Amanda began when we moved to Bethlehem, PA. I was a girl from the south with two young daughters and a husband starting a new job. I was a bit out of my comfort zone and even felt a little trepidation about moving to the north. And then we met our neighbors, a proper English man, a sweet and spunky daughter (whose age was just between my two), and a lovely mom who happened to be from Tennessee. I was elated, another Southern girl, we immediately bonded.
Those early years were spent being busy Moms, juggling school/activity/family commitments and we helped each other out a LOT. Our girls played together....American girl dolls and books, tin can communication system between the two houses, dress-up and fashion shows, arts and crafts, and snow days. During one particular major snow storm, Amanda created a backyard sled run by packing snow on their deck steps....we had our very own neighborhood “Winter Olympics”, so much fun. In early summer, the Cowan backyard hosted the infamous end-of-the school year campouts, pitching tents, grilling “not” dogs, and making s’mores.
And then there was New York City. My first NYC experience with Amanda was a mothers/daughters trip to see the Royal Ballet Company at the Met. I assumed we would take the bus, it was easy and convenient but Amanda was our confident driver. The girl from Tennessee navigated us through the chaos of NYC traffic like a pro, she never missed a turn. She explained that the key was knowing a few landmarks and understanding the “easy” city grid. I decided if Amanda could do it, so could I, and I drove to NYC many times, fueled by her confidence. New York City with Amanda was the best....Central Park, 5th Ave., Broadway, unforgettable lunches at famous restaurants. Our lunch at LeCirque was particularly memorable. A gentleman seated beside us suffered what appeared to be a fatal heart attack. The staff and other patrons (including myself) had no idea what to do, but Amanda did, and she jumped out of her seat and assisted the man until the paramedics arrived.
Amanda embraced community involvement ... St. Luke’s Auxiliary, Lehigh Valley Junior League to name a few. It was easy for Amanda to be good at what she did, she was a go-getter, and wow did she go! Under her co-leadership the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibition came to Bethlehem....she became THE local dinosaur expert! All to the benefit of many families and children in the Lehigh Valley. Well deserved, she made the Morning Call’s People to Watch list in 2000.
We watched her for years with her remarkable tenacity for research and academic pursuits, Yale then Oxford, to say she was brilliant was an understatement. She loved to read, write, and even edit, and it was not surprising to learn that her dissertation required no revisions. We had many lengthy and detailed conversations about her research....from cooking stoves in Mexico to companies lead by female executives, such passion for it all. But our conversations also encompassed everything from our travels, politics, music, art, the environment, our now adult children....and with our southern backgrounds, even Elvis and fried chicken. Just imagine, Amanda the dedicated vegetarian talking about fried chicken. Her quick wit and humor was undeniable, one of the many things I loved about Amanda.
For both families, our paths in life took us in new directions, new places, but we stayed connected and remained neighbors at heart. Visits with with Jim and Amanda were always delightful....memorable dinners together at great restaurants. Amanda’s friendship enriched by my life immeasurably, and I am so grateful that these two girls from the South had their paths intersect in Pennsylvania in 1992. Her smile and kindness will be in my heart forever, and I loved her dearly. Gone too soon.
To the Cowan family, we wish you comfort and peace, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold. ~ Betty Ann and Tom McInteer