Mandi was a spirited young woman who was a supportive wife, loving mother and daughter, child advocate, sorority sister, and the best friend anyone could ask for. “I love you to the moon and back,” was a quote often used by Mandi. It is an understatement to say that she was greatly loved in return. She was bright, quick witted, and sassy. Her friends and family admired her tenacity, and she helped change many lives for the better. Despite countless obstacles, Mandi’s strong will and determination made her the definition of fighter.

When Mandi was 9 years old, she was diagnosed with a disease called Lupus. In her twenties, she was additionally diagnosed with the adrenal disorder, Addison’s disease. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue, resulting in symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and damage to joints, skin, kidneys, blood, the heart, and lungs. Mandi fought this disease for many long years. During that time, she additionally made a beautiful life for herself and truly lived each day to the fullest.

Mandi dedicated her life to helping others. Not only did she help professionally, being a part of the field of social work, ranging from working with youth in foster care to the elderly in rural communities, but she also helped others personally throughout her entire life. Even when Mandi would have to spend 6 hours a day in dialysis or would have just spent the morning at the infusion center for chemotherapy, she would never hesitate from stopping to help a friend in need or spending time at one of the many not-for-profit organizations with which she volunteered.

After many years of treatments in her fight against Lupus, Mandi passed away peacefully at home just two days after her 28th birthday.


*How You Will Help*

Mandi’s husband, Rob, who has been her rock and endless source of support for more than a decade, is now left with the responsibility of running a household, taking care of their two beautiful children, and working a full time job that requires him to be there 10 hours a day Monday-Saturday, in order to support his family. With upcoming services in Illinois, Rob will need to take time away from work to travel with his two children. Your contributions will support Rob’s lost work hours as well as the cost of plane tickets for the family, meals, and lodging. Any additional money will go toward Mandi and Rob’s children’s needs.


Thank you for supporting the Thew Family. Good thoughts, prayers and kind deeds keep Rob and his family going. Simply by visiting this page you have helped.  No family should be expected to worry about finances during such a hard time. Show your love, support, and appreciation for a wonderful woman and wonderful family.

Mandi was always appreciative of the generosity of others. She said her friends and family were the guardian angels who kept her going. Let us continue to live up to that role by supporting her family in their time of need.

Thank you very much, every little bit helps!