Amanda (Nierstheimer) Scanlan

She was born in April 1979 in Pekin to Kim Nierstheimer of Pekin, Illinois, and Cynthia Sites of Nashville, Tennessee.

Amanda grew up in Pekin and graduated from Peoria Notre Dame High School. Growing up, Mandi was a talented swimmer, and through the sport she made lifelong friends who remained close to her throughout her life. After high school, she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University, where she discovered her calling in healthcare.

Amanda dedicated her career to the field of dialysis, beginning as a nurse administering treatments, then moving into clinic management, becoming a nurse educator, and ultimately serving as a corporate nurse consultant for Dialysis Clinic, Inc. in Nashville. Her work reflected both her skill and her deep compassion for patients and colleagues alike. She spent her life caring for others above herself, both in her profession and in her personal life.

On New Year’s Eve in 2006, Amanda took a leap of faith and accepted a first date with Perry Scanlan after meeting online. Neither of them knew it at the time, but they had found their soulmate. Amanda and Perry were married on March 6, 2010, at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. Together, they built their life in Clarksville, Tennessee, where Perry is a professor at Austin Peay State University, and they raised their two children, Morgan and Mason.

Beyond her career and family, Amanda had a deep love of food and cooking. She found joy in preparing meals for family and friends, bringing people together around the table, and sharing her warmth and creativity through the dishes she made.

Of all her accomplishments, Amanda was most proud of being a mother to Morgan and Mason. She poured her heart into supporting them, celebrating their successes, and encouraging them in every aspect of their lives. She especially loved cheering them on in their love of soccer, proudly standing on the sidelines as their biggest fan. To Amanda, nothing brought greater joy than watching Morgan and Mason grow, learn, and pursue their passions.

Amanda showed us just how strong and courageous she truly was during her two-year battle with breast cancer. Her strength was inspirational to all who knew her, and she faced her journey with grace, resilience, and unwavering love for her family.

Amanda is survived by her loving husband, Perry Scanlan of Clarksville; her two cherished children, Morgan and Mason Scanlan; her parents, Kim (Linda) Nierstheimer and Cynthia (William) Sites; her sister, Melissa (Seth) Ranney ; her grandmother, Gwendolyn Wright; her niece and nephew, Chase and Chloe Ranney; her aunts and uncles, Steve Daily and Shelly Schnupp, and Craig (Ronda) Daily; and her cousin, Ashley (Brad) Stegall. She will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her dedication to nursing, and the warmth and kindness she extended to everyone she met.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. A reception to follow the service at the church.