Obituary of Amanda Nicole Dissman

Amanda Nicole Dissman, age 40, passed away peacefully at her group home in Hopkins, MN on December 26, 2021 of complications from heart disease and stroke, the latter of which left her permanently disabled in 2012. 

Amanda was born in Peoria, Illinois on January 2, 1981 and moved to Minnesota in 1988. She graduated from Robbinsdale Armstrong High School in 1999 and attended Normandale Community College. She worked at various jobs in the Twin Cities, including as a caregiver at Hammer Residences. She later moved to Pekin, Illinois and then Richmond, Virginia before health issues forced her to return back to Minnesota. 

Amanda was an avid Dave Matthews Band fan and attended numerous concerts, most recently in 2018, the night before the Super Bowl in Minneapolis. 

Despite the physical challenges, Amanda lived life as fully as possible, facing each day bravely with strength and determination. She read and studied the news and debated social policy with friends on social media. She loved all forms of music and was a living encyclopedia of song lyrics. Her quick wit never waned. 

Amanda adored animals, especially cats and most notably kittens. She asked that friends and family members interested in making donations in her name contribute to their favorite animal shelter. 

Amanda is survived by her mother Sue Cone’ of Champlin; father Rick Dissman and stepmother Debra Dissman of Pekin; stepfather Lonnie Hartley of Champlin; sister Charli (Chris) White of Minneapolis; and stepsister Jacey Cranwill of Pekin. 

Thanks to her many friends and family who visited her regularly over the past decade, communicated with her electronically or by phone, or sent cards and letters. She truly appreciated your acts of love. And thanks to the many caregivers at Grace Homes who cared for Amanda for the last several years, especially Sam who became a dear friend to her; Patience who invited Amanda to her wedding; and Janet who cared for Amanda as though she was family. 

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.