Amy Colleen Tunick

Amy Tunick (née Knipe), 51, of Andover, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on November 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She faced her illness with quiet courage, grace, and an unwavering devotion to the people she loved.

Amy grew up in Vernon, NJ, where she developed a deep connection to nature, spent countless hours on horseback, and competed in equestrian events. Her adventurous spirit only grew with time. Whether hiking trails close to home, climbing in the Adirondacks, or packing up the RV and family for cross-country camping trips, Amy found joy and grounding in the natural world, and shared that joy generously with her family.

After graduating from Vernon Township High School in 1992, Amy worked in the restaurant industry as a waitress, bartender, and manager, including a treasured stint at the former Central restaurant in Sparta, where she met Jason, the love of her life. They married in 2005 in front of the Christmas tree in their living room and built a life centered on warmth, laughter, exploration, and family.

Amy’s greatest joy came with motherhood. Her three sons, Liam, Quinn, and Ronan, were the center of her universe. She poured herself into every aspect of their lives, from school to sports to after-school activities, always present, always cheering, always encouraging. In recent years, she especially cherished the Irish dance community, embracing the competitions and forming deep and lasting friendships with her “dance family.” That circle of friends became an extension of her own family and a source of joy and support.

Amy had a gift for building community wherever she went. Friends describe her as warm, down-to-earth, adventurous, and kind, a steady, uplifting presence. Her home was a welcoming place, filled with energy, dogs, kids, and laughter. Her faithful canine companions, Doyle and Paige, rarely left her side, and the family takes comfort in imagining her reunited with her beloved dogs Abby and Duncan, pony Maggie, and horse Tattoo. She is also reunited in heaven with her grandparents and her Uncle Harold, who welcomed her home with open arms.

Amy is survived by her devoted husband of 20 years, Jason, and their three sons, Liam, Quinn, and Ronan; her parents, Patti Knipe and Peter Knipe; her brother, Patrick (Erin Benson), and niece Ella; her sister-in-law, Britt Tunick (Julien Bellorgey), and nephew Cole; as well as a large and close-knit extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring for friends and loved ones to honor her extraordinary life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Melanoma Research Alliance or One Step Closer Animal Rescue (O.S.C.A.R.) in Amy’s honor. Please feel free to click one of the links below.