Amanda Jeanette Lorraine (Burnham) Labonte

AUGUSTA – Amanda Jeanette Lorraine (Burnham) Labonte, 41, went home to be with her Lord and Savior after a 41-year courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

She was born on Nov. 24, 1983, to Normand Labonte and Eilene Jeanette Lorraine “Burnham” Labonte of Augusta.

Amanda graduated in 2002 at Cony High School in Augusta, and after transplant attended Kennebec Valley Community College.

In October 2016, she fell head over heels with the love of her life, Zac Wentzel, who she always considered her husband and they were together for eight years before her passing. Eilene, Amanda’s mom, was her lifelong caregiver and when she passed two years prior to her, Amanda was heartbroken. We are thankful she is now dancing together with her Lord and her momma and daddy. When Zac and Amanda met, Zac, too, became one of Amanda’s greatest supporters and caregivers and did an incredible job taking care of her and supporting her port transplant journey. For that, the family is wonderfully thankful. Zac will miss his best friend and the love of his life of whom he adored and cherished.

On Sept. 6, 2016, Amanda received her beautiful new donated lungs which gave her an extra eight years of life and incredible memories. Her mom, dad and Zac, as well as Amanda’s entire family were so blessed and thankful for the donor who helped in providing those extra years to be able to spend with Amanda and love on her.

Amanda’s hobbies included; spending time with Zac and their son, Garen, as well as close family members and dear friends. Like her mom, Amanda had an incredible zest for cooking and enjoyed trying new recipes. Amanda enjoyed her summers at North Pond in Smithfield floating on her unicorn and watching the sunsets at the lake. She also enjoyed arts and crafts, and decorating for the holidays.

Due to Amanda’s illness, it was difficult for her to work, but one of the few jobs that she was employed with, was the Maine State Chamber of Augusta. Amanda worked for a short period as a receptionist, before her disease prevented her from further working long term. Amanda always had a huge heart for the State Chamber, and they had a huge heart for her, as part of her support system.

Amanda was especially blessed, and proud of her heart’s joy, Garen, and was so blessed that he called her his “Mumma”. Garen brought extreme joy to Amanda’s life. Amanda adored Garen above everything, and they shared a bond that will live on in his heart forever.

Amanda is survived by the joy of her heart, Garen; and her love, Zac Wentzel of Augusta; as well as a special aunt, Cora “Amy” Lane who was Amanda’s second mom and helped Eilene take care of her. She is also survived by other aunts who helped with her needs; and two cousins, Ross and Mike Lane, who were raised together as her brothers.

Amanda is also survived by many special nieces, nephews and cousins, who she adored.

Amanda was predeceased by her beloved parents, Normand and Eilene Labonte; and her grandparents, Royal W. Burnham and Jeanette Lorraine “Smith” Burnham Brann; and her stepsister, Kristy “Labonte” Brann.

The family would like to offer a special thank you, to all those healthcare providers who cared for Amanda during her 41 years of life.

A celebration of life will be held upstairs at the Winslow Veterans of Foreign Wars, located on Veterans Court, Winslow, ME 04901, beginning at 1 p.m. on Feb. 2.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org). Please consider being an organ donor!