A loving mother, a natural beauty.
Mandie was a woman of striking natural beauty, known for her dedication to fitness and impeccable style. With long eyelashes framing her bright eyes and a flair for beautiful handwriting, she effortlessly captured attention. Throughout her life, she cultivated a close-knit group of friends, people like Thane Ridlen and Alisha Serold. They supported her, especially during her battle with addiction. Their loyalty reminded her that even in darkness, genuine connections could shine through.
Athletic from a young age, Mandie thrived in sports like basketball and volleyball, where her left-handedness gave her an edge. Her artistic side flourished as a floral designer, transforming simple blooms into stunning arrangements. For Mandie, every carefully wrapped gift and crafted bouquet reflected her desire to spread joy and beauty.
Her greatest joy came from her two sons, Andrew and Kaden, with whom she shared cherished moments, especially during their adventures of arrowhead hunting at the lake. That joy multiplied with the arrival of her first granddaughter, Henslee, who deepened the bonds of love within their family. Even after her passing, her family’s legacy continues to grow with the births of her grandchildren Letty and Payton. As one of three sisters, Mandie shared special traditions with Darbie and Jodie, including the excitement of receiving new pajamas on Christmas Eve. She had a knack for making everyday moments magical, like turning the simple act of losing a tooth into an enchanting experience for her children by sprinkling glitter throughout the house, a small clue the tooth fairy had visited.
As a stay-at-home mom, Mandie created a nurturing environment in her son’s lives. Mandie married both fathers of her boys and maintained a close relationship with Andrew’s dad, Steve VandeKamp. He unexpectedly passed after Mandie’s death, and Mandie’s family believes they are reunited in heaven. At the time of her passing, her beloved chihuahua, Beanie, was her constant companion.
Despite the joy her family brought her, Mandie’s battle with addiction often led to solitude. She would spend long stretches alone in her apartment, her only company being Beanie. While there were moments when she broke free from the shadows like taking walks or visiting loved ones, these were fleeting. As her addiction progressed, her charm turned manipulative, leading to sharp, hurtful exchanges that alienated those who cared for her. Her only goal often became surviving until the next day, a grim reflection of the hold addiction had on her life.
Mandie’s reliance on methadone spiraled into heroin use, culminating in the tragic end of her battle with addiction from heroin laced with Carfentanyl. Her family was left grappling with grief and disbelief. In the wake of her passing, they discovered her journals; raw expressions of desperation, revealing her deep yearning to break free from addiction. She described her need for substances as vital as water or food, highlighting the complexity of her struggle.
Unfortunately, both Andrew and Kaden followed their mother into addiction. However, after her passing, Kaden achieved substance freedom in 2017, and just recently Andrew celebrated over a year of sobriety. Their maintained sobriety has filled their family with pride, and they see Mandie as their guardian angel, watching over them on their recovery journeys. Her struggle opened their eyes to addiction as a disease, not a choice, instilling compassion and transforming their perspective. Mandie’s legacy became one of awareness and advocacy, reminding them that healing is possible, and love can light the way.
Mandie’s sister, Darbie Derringer, provided the information for this narrative.
January 9, 1971-May 4, 2017-Age 46
Portrait Artist:
Narrative Writer: Justin Teague
