Amanda Lee

Amanda Jane Lee, age 53, traveled to the Spirit World on September 8th, 2023 in Brainerd, MN. 

Amanda, known to some as Mandy, was born on December 1st, 1969 in Owatonna, MN to Inez Hart and Brian Lee. She was the eldest of five siblings - Jodine Lee, Rebecca Lee, Victoria Engel (Lee), Evan Fast Horse and Benjamin Lee.

She spent her childhood in Owatonna, MN and as a teen, she moved to Minneapolis, MN. During this time, she helped raise her youngest brother Evan and completed her education.  While in Minneapolis, she had three children  - Randy Lee Hanks Jr., Alaina Jane Hanks, and Alyssa Ashley Cook. Mandy loved being a mom and was fortunate to have many friends to support her as she raised her kids. She created a life full of love, friends and community. She nurtured friendships that lasted a lifetime, many of her friends have known her for multiple decades. She was known for her fierce loyalty and compassion. Her friends could always count on her to have their back and listen when they needed her. She always saw the best in people and connected easily with anyone she met.  

In her early 30’s, she moved to Brainerd, MN. She spent some time working at Bang Printing and eventually found joy in working as a blackjack dealer at Grand Casino Mille Lacs. She loved dealing and entertaining guests as it gave her the opportunity to connect with new people all the time. She later went on to work at Potawatomi Casino as well. 

In her 40’s, Mandy moved to Brooking, SD and Milwaukee, WI to be closer to her children and the joy of her life, her granddaughter Azalea Jane Janis. Mandy adored Azalea. She loved sharing new experiences with her and teaching her new things. 

Mandy lived a wonderful life and spent her time learning new hobbies such as beading, crocheting, and reading. She loved watching movies and making big bowls of popcorn. Anyone who knew her can attest to her wonderful sense of humor and curiosity in life. One of her favorite topics was conspiracy theories and aliens. 

She is survived by her parents, Brian Lee (Mary) and Inez Hart, daughters, Alaina Hanks (John Contreras), Alyssa Cook (Brandon Nosavanh), siblings Jodi Lee (David Graves Sr.), Becky Lee, Vicki Engel (Jeremy Engel), Ben Lee, Evan Fast Horse, numerous aunts and uncles, nephews Jacob Hardy, Tristan Roy, Noah Johnson, Matthew Imberi, Amanda Fast Horse, Brandon Lee, Callie Lee, great-niece Senicka Hardy and granddaughter Azalea Janis.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers Lawrence Lee, John Hart, grandmothers Dorothy Lee, Dorothy Hart, numerous aunts and uncles, nephew David Graves Jr, and her beloved son Randy Lee Hanks Jr. 

To honor Mandy’s memory, we are holding a celebration of life on September 17th from 2:00PM - 7:00PM at the V.F.W. in Garrison, MN. We invite anyone who knew her to attend and remember her wonderful life.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/gske7-funeral-expenses?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.