Amanda Humphrey Cheau

Amanda Humphrey Cheau, of Staten Island, NY passed away April 3rd, 2020. She is survived by her beloved husband Robert Sui Sang Cheau, daughter Chloe Elizabeth Cheau, son-in-law Jonathan Aquarone, brother Robert Humphrey, and sister Kate Williamson.

Mandy, as she was lovingly known by so many of us, was a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the eldest of three siblings, born August 27, 1946 by Robert P. and Mary K. (Kleinstuck) Humphrey, shortly after the end of WWII, during which her father served as both fighter and reconnaissance pilot for the RAF and USAF.

Amanda was always considered as the creative and artistic talent of the family, graduating from Smith College, and then receiving a Master in Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design. During her tenure at RISD, she realized her love of teaching, and pursued an illustrious career teaching art in the Rhode Island public school system. In satisfaction of her love of the arts, she moved to Paris to learn and work at the printmaking studio, Atelier 17, under the tutelage of the famed Stanley William Hayter. It was here Mandy met, and fell in love with Robert, a Cité des Arts artist. Slightly older and very dashing, this young man had all the qualities she had dreamed of in a future husband! “Everything added up so perfectly," she had always exclaimed, “What more could one ask?” Mandy and Robert married May 12, 1984 in New York City. During their time in France they built cherished, lifelong friendships and spent their summers camping in the south of France.

They relocated to New York City to start a family. In New York City, Mandy worked at the Depository Trust Company as a Graphic Designer, and Robert started his leather-goods company, Robert Cheau Leather. After the birth of their daughter Chloe, Mandy left her graphic design job to take care of her family and work on her love of reading. Invigorated by Mandy’s deep thirst for travel and love of France, her family spent their summers in Paris, jumping from there to explore the far reaches of Egypt, Asia, and Europe. Her love of nature and Astronomy was more than satisfied by the ample outdoor space and gardens at their home in Staten Island, while her “peid-à-terre” in Manhattan, nurtured her love of NYC’s bustling culture; frequenting all the museums, galleries and restaurants the city could offer. After Chloe’s departure in order to attain her Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago, Mandy worked as a substitute teacher for the Staten Island school system, and later on as docent at the Staten Island Zoo.

A lover of people and places, we see Mandy as being off again, this journey being the trip of a lifetime! Family and friends can be assured we will notify them, once our lives are back to normal, to celebrate this extraordinary and sweet woman’s life, along with our memories, and will do it with the appropriate flair and understanding. For any questions please contact Chloe Cheau (917) 593-8775 or Bob Humphrey BHumphrey@humphrey-products.com.

Visit Amanda's personal webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you may archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook. Assisted by Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.