Amanda Carvajal

The daughter of Efraím Tamayo and Adelaida Correa, Amanda was born in the tranquil mountain town of Andes, Colombia, on May 24, 1937. Her early years were spent playing on her father’s coffee and cow farms alongside her seven siblings — Aníbal, Oscar, Efraín, Gilma, Henry, Raúl, and William. Some of her fondest memories were of accompanying her father into town, or “el pueblo,” to shop for the family or visit his clothing store. There, Amanda’s lifelong love of sewing, fashion, and design began to blossom as she watched her father craft tailored suits for the townspeople.

Although she loved her family’s farm, Amanda’s heart always belonged to city life — even in a small town like Andes. She once dreamed of becoming a psychologist or therapist, but in 1940s Colombia, higher education was not easily accessible to women. Instead, she pursued her passion at a trade school, mastering alta costura — high fashion — as she would proudly remind anyone who thought she was “just sewing.”

Amanda became a sought-after seamstress, creating exquisite bridal gowns and evening wear, and years later, her daughter Kathy’s first communion dress.

It was during a fitting for a friend that Amanda’s life would change forever. That friend , Amparo Carvajal, introduced Amanda to her brother Mario Carvajal, who was visiting from New Jersey. A spark ignited immediately. After Mario returned to the U.S., they exchanged letters and music records adorned with love notes sent between Medellín and Union City. Within a year, Mario proposed.

As practicing Catholics, Amanda’s father insisted she be married before moving abroad. Since Mario could not return to Colombia, they were wed in a proxy ceremony — Amanda’s brother Henry stood in for her at the church in Colombia, while Mario did the same in Union City. Within weeks, Amanda joined her new husband in New Jersey, beginning a new life together.

They welcomed their son Carlos and daughter Kathy soon after. A month after Kathy’s birth, Mario purchased their home on 16th Street, where Amanda would live for the rest of her life.

\Amanda was devoted to her family. She lovingly cared for her husband and children, ensuring their home was always filled with warmth, delicious food, and unwavering love. She had an eye for style and enjoyed dressing up for the many social and charitable events she attended alongside Mario, who worked in banking.

She also had a deep love of travel. She often reminisced about a trip across Mexico she took with close friends before marriage. During that journey, a street vendor’s bird “predicted” her future by selecting a slip of paper that read, “Viajarás a partes extrañas” — “You will travel to faraway places.” And so she did.

Amanda delighted in exploring Bermuda, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas, always marveling at the world’s beauty. After Mario’s retirement, their peaceful years together were filled with more travels, family gatherings, and the joy of welcoming their beloved grandchildren —Nicolas, Luca, Steven and Audrey — who brought endless light into her later years.

As time went on, dementia slowly took hold. Though the disease progressed in her final years, Amanda remained surrounded by love. She passed peacefully in her sleep at home, beside her devoted husband of 49 years.

Amanda leaves behind her husband, Mario; her children, Carlos and Kathy; her beloved son-in-law Steven, her cherished grandchildren, Steven Paul, Nicolas Alberto, Luca Mario and Audrey Caroline; and a lifetime of beautiful memories.

A viewing and prayer service will be held on Tuesday, November 11, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Prayer service at 4:30 p.m.) at Leber Funeral Home / Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ.