Amy Sue Mendel-Clemens
February 16, 1960 - July 07, 2015
Obituary
Mendel-Clemens, Amy
DANE-Amy Mendel-Clemens, age 55, of Dane, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, while traveling with her son and daughter in Stuttgart, Germany. She was born on February 16, 1960, in Beloit, the beloved daughter of David and Eleanor Mendel. She married the love of her life, Steven Clemens, on June 21, 1980, in Lodi. Amy's life is one to be celebrated. Those who knew her know she lived life to its fullest with much laughter. Her loving commitment and sensitivity to motherhood is her legacy. She was an extraordinary, lifelong companion to her husband. The day Amy passed, countless people lost a best friend and respected mentor. She had an insatiable curiosity for everything around her which was reflected in her art and passion for color, texture and design. This enhanced her environment which can be seen in her homes, gardens, photography, textiles and glass work. The part of Amy's life that made her family and friends most proud, was her commitment to helping people improve their lives. Amy started her career serving the public as a senior paralegal at Legal Services of Northeastern Wisconsin in Green Bay. During her tenure, she helped thousands of families secure access to healthcare, child care assistance and other critical benefits. Amy then moved to work for the State of Wisconsin Department of Human Services where she made significant contributions to state programs including, but not limited to Medicaid, BadgerCare, FoodShare, W-2 and childcare programs. She was passionate about the integrity of all the programs while ensuring benefits were accessible to anyone who was eligible. Most recently Amy worked for Dane County Department of Human Services where she was recognized statewide for her commitment to helping those in need find meaningful employment and training. She was an inspirational, engaging and committed leader in policy and program development and implementation. Throughout her career, she was devoted to improving the lives of Wisconsin residents struggling with poverty and was a champion for those residents when policy was being developed. She was highly respected by her superiors, peers, staff and clients. She did all things with grace, style and passion and was beloved and highly regarded by her family, friends, colleagues and everyone she met along the way. Amy's wisdom and strength made a deep impact on everyone who knew her and we will carry that with us always. The pain of losing her is severe and abrupt; those of us whose lives were touched by Amy will always be grateful for her. Amy is survived by her husband, Steven Clemens; daughter, Jillian Clemens; son, Zachary Clemens; nieces, Marsha Malin and Cathie Malin (Robert Munson); grand-nephew, Jesse Munson; parents, David and Eleanor Mendel; and brother, Brent Mendel. A celebration of Amy's life will be held at OLBRICH GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, with a commemoration of her life from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. Visitation will be at the park from 3 pm until the commemoration on Wednesday. All monetary gifts will be donated to local charities that Amy supported. Online donations can be made http://www.gofundme.com/RememberingAmy and www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Lodi
Funeral & Cremation Care
157 S. Main Street
(608)592-3201
Events
Photos
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Memories
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Judy Johnson
Other •
My prayers go out to Amy's husband and children and all loved ones. Although you do not know me, Amy had a huge impact on my professional career. She was an honorable, admirable woman who was looked up to by many within our field. I will miss her more than these words can portray.
Respectfully,
Judy Johnson
BE
Barb Engelhart
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Greg and Barb Engelhart
Amy was such bright, talented, creative woman, and we will miss her dearly. An Irish quote says it best,
"Death is a heartache, no one can heal. Love is a memory, no one can steal." Our thoughts and our prayers go out to her family who she cherished the most.
It was a blessing to spend time with Amy and her gift of friendship. Love to you all.
HL
Heather Lowe
Other •
"the best thing you ever did for me, was to help me take my life less seriously. Its only life after all. Yea"
Amy remains the wise voice in my head, she has filled my heart with happy memories, and I am so grateful for knowing her. My deepest sympathy to all of her loved ones. She will always be remembered and I love you all so much.
BN
Bridgette Nelson
Other •
What a great lost to her family and friends but also to so many others. She has impacted the lives of many both personally and professionally. This is a great lost to workers and our community in so many ways. I knew Amy professionally and I had nothing but absolute respect and admirations for such a great leader. When she was appointed Division Administrator for the County’s Economics Assistant Division it was at a pivotal moment when no one was sure what direction of our futures would hold. She came on board anyway and captained the ship for the benefit of consumers and workers alike. Today, I am lighting a candle to express to her loved ones my deepest regret. May she rest in peace forever. – Respectfully Bridgette T Nelson.
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Shawn Tessmann
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Amy was a woman I strived to emulate in all aspects of life. She will be missed by so many for so many reasons. While it is a tragic loss, I take comfort in knowing her lessons and legacy will live beyond her. I hope the same is true for myself someday. What an inspiration. Prayers and love to her family and strength to her staff and friends who will need her humor, intellect and grace during this time. Know she is providing that inspiration still in ways that are unknowable. Love, Shawn Tessmann
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Mandy Mayek
Other •
While I have no doubt that Amy was as wonderful a woman personally as she was professionally, I can only imagine that this page will become flooded with sentiments from those whose lives Amy touched with her work. As others have said, Amy was a woman to be looked up to by all. Amy personified strength, grace, advocacy, sensibility, poise, and humor. She was a champion to many - her positive impact on both vulnerable populations and the people that serve them in Wisconsin is simply immeasurable. Wishing comfort, peace and loving memories to Amy's loved ones.