As I traveled to Texas last week with my daughter, Amy immediately came to mind. It seems an unlikely place to jog those memories, but it brought me back to our senior year Spring break trip with Amy, Katie (Lembas) and me. I remember us going to the travel agent at ND and randomly picking Corpus Christi, TX from a map as our destination. We stayed at the Holiday Inn by the Gulf. On our arrival, we met a bunch of professional bowlers there for a tournament. We then met a group of Spanish sailors who were sailing replicas of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria around the coast as a celebration of Columbus’ voyage. They showed us around the ships and invited us (I had to really use my translating skills!) to accompany them on tours of various places around town. We ate way too much at Whataburger and Sizzler . We went to one dance club and headed to the restroom right when we arrived. This random girl approached Amy with a big steak knife in her hand and asked Amy to crop her t-shirt a bit for a contest she was entering at the club. Amy smiled and obliged and carefully trimmed the t-shirt. I remember being so nervous about the huge knife she was handed to do the job, but so glad this girl happened to pick Amy’s steady hand to help her! We had so many laughs and fun adventures on that trip and being in Texas brought them all back to me. Thank you, Amy, for so many amazing memories. I only hope my daughter will find someone as good as you as she sets off to college (probably in Texas!). ❤️

I wish we could celebrate this milestone with you. We miss you so much but know we will see you again. You live in our hearts

Mom & dad

Today is Amy’s 50th birthday in Heaven. Amy was my college roommate for two years and one of my best friends. I was privileged to be the maid of honor in her wedding and to plan a bridal shower and then a baby shower for her with some of our other friends. I know this is super long but I wanted to take this opportunity to honor her memory. 

When I think back to Amy’s life, I think of how she changed me as a person. I met her when I was 18. She was an instant friend and brought me out of my very shy shell. I learned so much about life from Amy - how to embrace each moment and cherish those you loved. Amy always made you feel like you mattered. She would only gripe at you if you were in a hurry to get over to the library, because she genuinely wanted you to linger. She would always tell me, “Just settle,” as I tried to hurry out of the dining hall to study. Instead of being annoyed (although admittedly I was sometimes stressed if I had a test the next day), I felt loved. Amy wanted people to feel like their presence was important to her. She always made you live in the present and enjoy the moment - and not worry so much about what you had to get done that night, the next day, etc. We had so many great times as roommates reliving our fun nights out and talking about life for hours in our bunk beds. We had amazing and memorable trips to places like California and Texas. She had such a zest for life and would always want to get every bit of enjoyment out of it. As we got older, we lost touch for awhile as we both moved and had families. For years, we played phone tag and I just felt that at some point we would have a chance to reconnect. We had that chance at a close friend’s wedding in 2018. It seemed like no time had passed and we picked up right where we left off. I was so happy and excited to keep in touch and see each other more frequently - only I didn’t have that chance. Amy passed away unexpectedly later that year.

When Amy passed, I didn’t know how to process the loss of one of the most important and meaningful people in my life. How could someone so full of life be gone so abruptly? Why hadn’t I made more of an effort to see her before and after I saw her at our friend’s wedding? Why did I just assume that she would be there whenever life settled down? As I thought back to so many memories, I realized we had so many that only I would carry into the future. I felt a responsibility to do Amy’s memory justice in my own life. Amy loved people, loved life and truly listened to those who spoke to her. When you knew her, you loved her. When you talked to her, she would intently listen to you and give you the support and feedback you needed. There was nothing cookie cutter, standard or phony about her. She also had a brilliant mind (I will always remember her taking the plastic wrap off of her finance book that she opened up for the first time the night before the final ) but was never pretentious or made anyone feel lesser. I miss her and will miss her for the rest of my life. 

Part of her legacy that I want to instill in Shefali is that this life is fleeting and that you should cherish those who truly love you, are loyal to you and have your back; that you shouldn’t wait for life to settle down and be more convenient to prioritize those you love and spend time with them; and that you should give as much love as you can each day and make people feel as important to you as Amy made me feel. Life isn’t always easy and we should use our energy to connect with others and look out for one another, rather than wasting precious time on negativity. Amy was a light in this world and I hope to carry on that light and continue to share about Amy with Shefali and others, so that they will carry on that light, as well. ❤️

Although we lost touch over the years, I have such warm memories of Amy at ND. Amy was very kind and always so much fun. We laughed a lot when we were together. I was very sad when I read this news. My deepest sympathies and prayers for her entire family.

I'm so very sorry to hear of Amy's passing. I met her at Notre Dame and found her to be uncommonly kind and warm, and gently funny to boot. She was a wonderful friend to many, and I'm not surprised to hear that she continued to bring light to many more. May all her loved ones and friends know peace.

I met Amy at ND when we were freshmen as our group of friends who lived in Siegfried and Flanner often ran in the same social circles. I remember her fun-loving nature and her sense of humor. May her family find peace and solace at this time, and may she rest in peace.

Amy's laugh—or was it a giggle or a chuckle? Well, I probably won't ever be able to describe it correctly in words, but I'll never forget how it sounded and how happy it made me feel. Amy's loving heart had a way of putting people at ease and making you feel special and important each time you saw her. I met Amy at Notre Dame when I lived next door to Siegfried in PW. I often thought of us as "sister or best friend" dorms which always made me smile—but this week as I was on campus—I stopped in that space between those buildings and felt comfort and gratitude for the gift of Amy's life and friendship. She is remembered in a special way today at the Grotto and my heart goes out to Jon, Noah, Natalie, her whole family, and all who loved her.

Jon, sending my deepest sympathies to you and your children and family. May many great memories of her carry on for years to come. Sending wishes of strength to you during this challenging time.

Dear Peggy and Bob,
Our hearts break for you and your family . We pray that Amy's spirit will fill your lives with love and peace . Eileen and Angelo

Dear Peggy and Bob, my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry you have lost another daughter. You are in my prayers. Genny

Our deepest condolences to the Cordero family for this tragic loss. Our prayers go up for you and yours.

Jan and I give our condolences to Jon, the children and Bob and Peggy Krok. We remember her wedding and the wonderful celebration. Amy was a shining light in the Krok Family and became a wonderful wife and mother. We pray that the Family will stay strong through God's grace in this terrible moment. May God Bless you all.

My deepest condolences with you and your family Jon. May her soul rest in peace.

Amy- volunteered at Cowlishaw Elementary School when I worked there. She always had a smile on her face and was ready to help us or the students. She always liked looking at the books and discussing them with me to see what would be good for Noah and Natalie. Good thoughts and prayers to the family.

I echo what has been said by others above, whom I have not even met. I met Amy in 7th Grade. She was a transformative person for me as well, bringing me out of my shell, building my confidence, and learning together about lifelong friendship, during those formative years of Middle School and High School. I lived just down the hill from Amy and her wonderful family and spent countless days and nights together all through High School. She was such an intelligent, vibrant, loyal, beautiful friend. We maintained contact through our college years, early days of marriage and starting families. I had the joy to see her with Noah and Natalie in Chicago 2 years ago, and it was like a flashback for me, as they were about the age Amy was when I first met her. I am heartbroken for your loss, and will miss Amy dearly.

Amy was special in so many ways. When she listened to her friends, she REALLY listened. She never gave a “pat” response—she was insightful and thoughtful in the way she approached a conversation. So many times she helped me take a deeper look at a person or find an more positive and optimistic way to approach a situation. And she always did so in the most gentle and supportive way. She made the people around her want to be better people. I know she did that for me. To Jon, Noah, Natalie, and all of Amy’s family, my deepest sympathies.

My deepest sympathies for your loss, Jon. May her soul rest in peace.

I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Jon, his children and all of their family. Thinking of you all, wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time.

My sincerest condolences to all of her family, especially to my colleague at HCSC Cordero at HCSC and their children.

Amy was such an incredible person and meant so much to me. She came into my life when I was 18 and really was a transformative person for me. She helped bring me out of my shell at a time when I had a lot of self doubt and lacked confidence. She was such an upbeat and positive force in my life. Amy really took an interest in people and made each person feel like he or she mattered in this world. I feel so grateful that we were able to reconnect and share some time together earlier this year. My deepest condolences to her parents, sister, Jon and her kids.