Manuela Needhammer touches our hearts and souls in a way that only a few people can. With her generous spirit, her warm embrace, and her ever kind words, she means so much to so many. She is a woman whose contributions to our community, both hers and her talented family's, will leave an indelible mark on all of us. This blog is dedicated to her.
Please click on the comments section below to share your thoughts!
Manu is a radiant person to speak with. So often a humble school business conversation I started with her would grow into a wide-ranging discussion of the arts - movies we loved, visual artists whose work we had seen, set design... books... Her knowledge, enthusiasm and engagement with the expressive world is so amazing and full. Her warmth and charm cannot be contained in words. She is deeply kind and responsive. A Jedi Knight and de facto mother to all the children at Pine Forest.
ReplyDeleteBeing new to the Pine Forest Family...I was only able to meet her through the language my daughter was learning. What we can say is how excited Maddie found each lesson and the enthusiasm she would in turn "try" to teach us, her parents. Knowing what I do of the lovely teachers and the extended family we become, our hearts and prayers are with the Manu.
ReplyDeleteHeartfelt Love,
The Siegs
A really easy way to raise the funds necessary for Manuela is on www.gofundme.com
ReplyDeleteI had a friend recently who urgently needed money due to a family issue and raised $2000.00 in 2 days. A really great resource.
I will keep Manuela in my prayers!
Betsy Hamill
Thinking of Andrew and Manuela and their daughters during this very difficult time ... Praying that God will ease any pain. Praying for a miracle for a recovery too and trusting in God during this tough time.... Prayers and warm thoughts to all of you. God bless....
ReplyDeleteI've seen Manuela's cheerful face throughout my years at Pine Forest as a speech therapist and now as a parent. My son was graced by her wonderful presence as his German teacher this past fall. My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family. I wish them all peace and comfort.
ReplyDeleteShelly Thomas
Our thoughts are with your family. Thank you for all the lesson you taught m daughter ...she came home smiling speaking German and that was due to Manuela's wonderful teaching
ReplyDeleteOur family has been fortunate enough to receive the gifts of beauty, light, and grace from both Manuela and Andrew. Manuela has worked with both of my children over the years at Pineforest as a class aid, playwright, costume designer, and linguist. Her ability to bring imagined things to life is extraordinary. Andrew translates the same magic into the world of dance he creates with ballet. Thank you for enriching our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThe Smith Family
My daughter Laurel and I have so enjoyed the warm kind presence of Manuela at Pine Forest School and of course her creative support of Andrew teaching dance at NAU. Manuela's grace and beautiful smile our in our hearts. Our thoughts and support are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWarmly,
Jenna & Laurel
So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers of peace and understanding to Andrew, Julia and Rebecca.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. Jason, Angel, Max and Kirsten
ReplyDeleteI was working at Pine Forest at the same time as Manuela. I found her to be warm, empathic and real. She was a joy to be around. I will miss her.
ReplyDeleteAndrew and girl's, I am very sadden to hear this news. Your mom was a wonder to all she met. I hope dancing and the horses will help you get threw this. If you need anything please let me know. Joette McKusick
ReplyDeleteOur dear sweet friends Andrew, Rebecca and Julia. We are shocked and sadden to hear about Manuela's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. You and your family will be in our thoughts always. Manuela was a very special person and friend. We smile as we share her memory. Her memory for us will be a blessing, that we knew her and walked with her how ever briefly in this world.
ReplyDeleteWe love you all very much~
Sandy, Sherri, Stephanee and Justin