Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Amanda “Mandy” Gayle passed peacefully among family and friends on August 8, 2024 of complications from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Born in New Orleans on April 28, 1960, Amanda and her family lived in a number of states, including Connecticut, New York, another area in Louisiana, and Rockville, Maryland before moving to Annapolis.

Amanda had such grace and beauty and was extremely talented as the organizer of events and knew how to host a party. She had a flair for it which transitioned over to her career at ANA. What twenty-year-old has a party with a bartender, engraved cocktail napkins and specialty matchbooks made up? That was Amanda. She loved the beach and being around the water. She enjoyed cooking and hosting parties. Amanda loved her family and eventually wanted to move to the Charleston, South Carolina area where most of her family lives.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from the
University of Maryland, Mandy launched a successful career in events management. Her exceptional organization and planning skills facilitated her rise to the position of Director of Conference and Meeting Services for the American Nurses Association, where she was a highly regarded employee for 29 years.

Always warm and kind-hearted, Mandy brightened the days of everyone around her, whether they were close friends, colleagues or mere acquaintances. In any gathering, her signature laugh—deep, robust and contagious—drew people around her, everyone wanting join the best conversation in the room. She could also be tough-minded, however, when it came to providing guidance and direction. That trait earned her the nickname “Aunt Commando” by her niece and nephew, who benefitted immensely over the years from her honest feedback and good advice.

She is survived by many beloved family members and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Mandy’s honor be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

A celebration of Amanda’s life will be announced at a later date.  


Amanda Studley Gayle

Amanda Studley Gayle

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