Mandie Swiger

Funeral information

Home: Napa, CA Place of Birth:
Date of Death: March 2, 2010 Birthdate:

Service information:

Biography

AMANDA "MANDIE" SWIGER
1983-2010
Amanda "Mandie" Avalon Swiger, 27, went home to the Lord on March 2, 2010, after an 11-year battle with kidney failure. She passed away in the comfort of her family home with her parents and twin sister Megan by her side.
Mandie was born Jan. 18, 1983, in Castro Valley to Chuck (Papa) and Stacie (Mama) Swiger.
Mandie is survived by her beautiful daughter, Alani Marie, her parents Chuck and Stacie Swiger, twin sister Megan and brother-in-law Darrin Christle, nephews Tyler, Jordan and Nate, uncles Daniel Beagan and Clay Reeder.
Mandie attended Corvallis Elementary in San Leandro, Del Ray Elementary in San Lorenzo, El Centro and Bel Aire upon moving to Napa in 1993. She graduated from Vintage High School in 2001.
As a little girl, Mandie always loved spending time with her Papa, especially going fishing at Lake Chabot. They would get up at 4 a.m. and fish the entire day. More times than not, Papa's Little Goomer would come home with more fish than him. Every year she would always tend the garden with her Big Goomer, and come harvest time she would be so excited to pull up her treasures from the earth.
Mandie has always had a love for animals. Her dream was to work in an environment where she would be with animals. She raised two pigs, named Bob and John, for the FFA and had the opportunity to sell them at the Napa Town & Country Fair. As an adult, Mandie worked at Frontier Pet Clinic, making her dream a reality.
On April 6, 1999, at the age of 16, Mandie went into kidney failure. She was taken to UC San Francisco where she was told that she would need a kidney transplant. She started dialysis and on Dec. 6, 1999, she received her Mama's kidney at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. After her transplant she was granted a wish from the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation. Mandie wanted it to be a wish that her family could enjoy as well because she always said that we all went through it together. Her ideal wish for all of us was to go on a Disney Cruise and to Disney World. Disney's Animal Kingdom was a favorite park of hers. She loved the safari ride and all of the animals. It was one of the best times of her life!
Mandie received her second kidney transplant from her twin sister, Megan, on Feb. 11, 2005. If they weren't close enough being twins, this procedure brought them even closer. Their bond has been amazing over the years.
A huge highlight in Mandie's life was getting to go see "The Price Is Right" show. She had become a huge fan while doing dialysis and had always dreamed of going to the show. Her dream came true when a phone call came from CBS Studios asking Mandie and her family to join them for a taping of the show. Bob Barker introduced Mandie to the audience as his special friend and she was given a complete tour of the set. She met Barker's Beauties, Rich Fields and producer Kathy Greco. One of her favorite photos is of her with Bob Barker in front of the "Big Wheel."
Mandie gave birth to her beautiful miracle daughter, Alani Marie, on March 31, 2007. It was soon after that Mandie's body started rejecting Megan's kidney and Mandie was back on dialysis.
Mandie fought for many years with her kidney disease, yet always with a smile and even if it was one of her worst days, she would smile and say "I feel great!" 
She never wanted anybody to know just how bad it really was. Her strength amazed many. Anyone who ever had the opportunity to know Mandie loved Mandie. 
In our hearts she will always be.
Donations in Mandie's memory can be made to Napa County Humane Society, Napa Valley Hospice, Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation or the Northern California Kidney Foundation. Words of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.tulocaycemetery.org.


Krystal Klee March 8, 2010
It's been so many years since I have seen or heard from you guys but I just wanted you to know your all in my prayers and I'm thinking of you. I'll always remember megan&mandie's birthday lemo ride to A&W and how much mandie loved mamas dough balls!-From your best friend @Bel-Aire Elementary Love always Krystal

denise polsgrove March 8, 2010
we had ao many good times you will be missed for sure!!!!! i just havent had the heart to tell jordan about her auntie clamie we love you clamie

Dennis Scheerer March 8, 2010
My prayers and thoughts are with you mandie and your family..You are now at peace with god and now watching over us.. Dennis

Jim & Pat Forrest March 8, 2010
Our thoughts are with you, Chuck, Stacie and Megan. It's been a long time and you have been so close and loving. A new angel in heaven with a big smile. Always remember the joy.

Jennifer Peck March 8, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to Stacy, Chuck, Megan and Alani. My sister and I were great friends of both Megan and Mandie and we shared so many great memories. We are honored to have those special memories and they will never be forgotten. Mandie- Thank you for being such a great friend. You will be forever be loved and missed.

A Friend March 8, 2010
Now, she is free. Free from the pain her fragile body has endured. At last, an Angel has her wings.

mike jensen March 8, 2010
Mandie was a very special woman, she was always like her family said very strong, it was my pleasure to know her, even though I lost contact with her, Megan, my prayers are with you and your family. She will always hold a special place in my heart. more then you can ever imagine

Mary Bauer March 8, 2010
Mandi had such a gift for making people smile. I will always remember the way her eyes would light up when she talked about her daughter. My thoughts are with all that held her close.

tina smythe March 8, 2010
my thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. Mandie you will be missed but never forgotten.Fly honey and be free now.

Kathy Sorenson March 8, 2010
Mandie was an amazing human being -- an inspiring example of how to take the joy from every day of life, no matter what was happening. She was so damn funny. We adored her at FPC, and her beautiful daughter. I will always treasure my memories of her. I derive some comfort knowing she is free at least from all of her physical discomfort. All my best to Megan and her folks. Thank you for the phone call. It meant a lot to both of us.

Georgia Rawlings March 8, 2010
I worked with Chuck for 3 and 1/2 years. During that time I would see Mandie off and on coming to see her Dad. I grew very fond of her and prayed continuously for her recovery. She alwqays had a smile and an uplifted spirit. My sincere condolences to her parents. I can not fathom losing a child. I will keep them in my prayers. Also to Megan, who must feel like she lost part of herself. I will keep the entire family in my prayers. Peace and Love to the family Love, Georgia

Katie March 8, 2010
Mandie is and always will be greatly missed. There are so many memories that we share, that it makes it hard to choose my favorite. We would always laugh and laugh. Nobody understood what was funny, and I don't think we did either, but it was her smile that was contagious. Even when you're were in the worst of moods, she could turn that around. Her positivity and happiness made the world a better place. I love you Mandie. Very much.

karina Moreno March 9, 2010
My thoughts and my family prayers are for Mandie's family..

Christina Caddel March 10, 2010
I met Mandie 11 years ago when she first began her battle with kidney disease. I was working with her mother Stacie, and or day care put together a spaghetti feed fundraiser. I remember Mandie always smiling even when she was drained and tired from her dialysis treatments .. I was so sad to hear that she had lost her battle last week. My heart goes out to her parents, her sister, and her little girl. Please, Stacie, Megan ... if you read this, Please call me and let me know when services are, I would like to attend. Love you guys! Christina

A Friend March 10, 2010
Mandie was such a Sweetheart I met her while I worked at QVH and she warmed my Heart the moment she spoke. I am so sorry for your loss...Fly Free you are out of pain now...

jordan baeza March 11, 2010
aunite clamie i will miss you forver i know you will watch over me i love you auntie clamie:)

Leslie Smith March 12, 2010
My heart & prayers are with the family, Mandie was a beautiful spirit and will be missed dearly. May the bad days get fewer and the good days and memories but many and often. Love to Chuck, Stacie & Megan

Charoyn Vineyard March 12, 2010
Mandi was my best firend, my sister and now she is my angel. To mom, dad, Megan and Alani i love you all so very much. I will thank god everyday for giving me the chance to have an amazing friend like i did. Mandi Pants, i miss you honey.

Charoyn Vineyard March 13, 2010
Mandie my love, because of you I am a better person. You were my best friend, my sister and now my angel. I will love and miss you for ever. Megan, mom, dad and Alani.......you are all in my heart and prayers. I will thank god everyday for bringing Mandie and her family into my life. I miss you mandie pants.

Becky Gil March 13, 2010
I am mucholder than Mandie but she and i were in the farm class together at Vintage back when she first fell ill. I truly missed seeing her everyday when she was gone and ecstatic when she returned. I didn't see her much after the class was over, but I cherished every moment I got to spend with her. She will be sorely missed but she will always be with me in my memories. Thank you for giving the world this precious light and love. My life is much brighter just knowing her.

Friend March 14, 2010
I met Mandie only once, but it took only one encounter to respect the love and bravery that she exuded. The smile masked any and all pain. When asked "How are you doing?" she replied "I am doing great!" I was simply amazed!She taught me something; that even in pain you can be positive. Thank you Mandi, and may you live now free of pain. God bless your family and daughter as they struggle with losing your smile.

armand martin March 15, 2010
Mandie to me was a very beautiful person, I wished I could have know her longer,however for the time I known her beauty and kindness is all I got from her,the way I understand it is God ment for me to meet her.....

armand martin March 15, 2010
A beautiful & kind person Mandie was in my eyes, the way I see it is GOD had for me to Meet Mandie and thats where she is at now with GOD

Amanda Haeckl March 16, 2010
Mandie was like no other and I will always love her.I have so many wonderful memories of us. She was a fighter and always with a smile.Mandie loved to embarass me when we would go out in public. I will never forget the time we took the children shoe shopping and how much fun we had with them. My heart goes out to those that loved her.

Coleen McCluskey March 28, 2010
It is my heartfelt prayer that this precious child, Mandie, now be cradled in the arms of the Lord in Heaven. I also pray that the same God that blessed you with Mandie now give you strength, comfort, and renewal of purpose, in loving that little angel she left behind in her memory, Alonie. In His Love, Coleen

Mina April 12, 2010
I worked with Stacie for many years at the Los Ninios. I remember when ever Mandie came to visit the Los Ninios, she always came holding a bright smile on her face, and when she would see me, she come running toward me and would give me a hug. She will always be missed, and all the hope and care will go to her and her family.