Family Sees Daughter's Soul in Memorial Mural

Cancer took Amanda Van Howe's life this past December. Her passion was art and a mural based on her work unveiled this week serves as reminder of her life.

"I couldn't think of a better way to remember Amanda," Barb Van Howe, Amanda's mother, said during the unveiling on Tuesday. "When I drive past a hospital, I'm reminded of how sick she was. This mural will be a wonderful remembrance of her."

The work, found on the south wall of the Chalet Florist building near 123rd Street and Harlem Avenue, is based on a piece Amanda made while visiting Lake Katherine.

Words painted on the mural come from pieces of Amanda's work. Her brother, Michael, painted some of the mural. It will serve as a consistent reminder of Amanda to those who cherish her.

"You can see into Amanda's soul through her artwork," said Jim Van Howe, Amanda's father.

Amanda, who grew up in Palos Heights, died on Dec. 6 in California.

'Through Amanda's Eyes' is the second mural commissioned in Palos Heights, according to The Regional News. In October, "Treasures of Palos Heights" was unveiled at 122nd Street and Harlem Avenue.

Amanda's mural was a joint effort by muralist Nancy Hammel, members of the City of Palos Heights including Deputy Clerk Pat Sheppard, and Edward Jones, who funded a portion of the project.

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