Amanda “Mandee” Carolyn Parker (nee Kulaga), age 36, of Washington state and formerly of Peachtree City, GA, lost her courageous battle with cancer and passed away peacefully under her favorite tree in the presence of her loving family on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Mandee was born on July 15, 1987 in Houston, TX to Jim and Diana Kulaga of Peachtree City, GA.
The family moved to Peachtree City when Amanda was 2 months old and she thrived in her childhood and teen years in the community. Amanda’s magnetic personality, bright smile, infectious laugh, brilliant mind and kind soul endeared her throughout the years to so many.
She had a wide range of interests and pursued them passionately. She was a talented actress, singer and musician as well as an accomplished life-long learner. She graced many stages over the years and her talent and voice captivated many fans.
She loved the outdoors and enjoyed fly fishing, hiking and being surrounded by nature, especially trees! She loved to travel and enjoyed her time studying abroad in Greece and Italy. Amanda loved to run, and she trained and ran her first marathon in Hawaii.
Above all, Mandee loved fiercely — her family, her friends, her dogs, her work, and her passions.
She graduated in 2005 from Starr’s Mill High School where she was crowned 2005 Miss Starr’s Mill. She went on to graduate from New York University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Theater and English. She obtained her Masters in Speech Language Pathology from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Mandee was a dedicated speech pathologist who helped many adults and children through difficult times.
Amanda married her loving and devoted husband, Joshua Parker, on November 9, 2013 and they welcomed their first child Sophie Felicity Parker into the world on October 19, 2021. They renewed and affirmed their wedding vows and love shortly before she passed.
Amanda is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Walter and Sophie Kulaga, and her maternal grandparents, Carmen and Connie Bottita; and her Uncle, Charlie Bottita.
She is survived by her devoted husband Joshua Parker and her precious daughter Sophie Parker of Washington state; her loving parents, Jim and Diana Kulaga of Peachtree City GA; Aunts and Uncles: Connie (Ron) Cuoco, Carolyn (Jeff) Haertlein and Judy Bottita. “Sister” Cousins: Lauren (Andy) Mastbaum and Lauren (Joel) Schuler. Cousins: Charlie Bottita and Cindy Bottita. Father-in-law Harlin (Leslie) Parker and Mother-in-law Diana (Harry Franz) Parker. Sister-in-law Rachel (Katie) Parker. Amanda also leaves behind many friends around the world.
Mandee was never more at home or at peace than when she was among the trees. Hiking up a mountain, walking through a forest, cruising on a boat through the Amazon jungle — if there were trees, Mandee belonged. She marveled at trees, climbed trees, camped for the night up in a tree once or twice. She would refer to trees by name, she would thank trees as she passed them, and she even joined her town’s tree board to do her part in sustaining the community’s culture of appreciation and protection of trees. In accordance with her wishes, Mandee’s body will be returned to nature.
A private service was held in Washington state on August 17, 2023 with an intimate group of family and friends. Celebrations of Life will be planned and announced in the coming months. Memorial contributions can be made to Hope for Two, an organization which provides targeted support to women who are diagnosed with cancer while pregnant or any organization which supports the environment in Amanda’s name.