AMANDA Magdalene Jericho was born in 1934 at Cleve S.A.

Her grandparents history was German as well, immigrating to Australia in 1870.

She met Manfred Reich, a migrant from Berlin, having just come through Bonegilla migrant camp in 1958.

They bought a housing block in the West End of Wangaratta and returned to Berlin to get married in Germany.

In 1962 Amanda and Manfred returned to Wangaratta and 1963 saw the start of building their new house.

Three children were born: Simon - Henry - Wendy - all went to school in Wangaratta and are now spread all over Australia.

Simon, an artist in filmmaking, acclaimed musician and graphic design, just produced “Bonegilla-The migrant’s journey” at the WPAC to sellout crowds.

Henry runs a furniture business in Buderim QLD and Wendy is a schoolteacher in Melbourne.

This might sound like a big introduction to a life lived in Wangaratta but more is to follow.

Behind every family (husband – children - successful business) is a wife that holds it all together and that was Mandy.

When in nursing homes, she was called Amanda the German name but before her sickness she was Mandy to all and sundry.

The family home was finished in 1965 and they have lived in it until today.

"That was our 'forever home' between all the trips we took to Germany and beyond, always coming back to good old Wangaratta our resting place," Manfred said.

When school was finished for the children, they went off to other places to pursue their dreams.

That's understandable as they forged their own identity.

"As a father and mother, we would say well done," Manfred said.

Mandy, as a wife, kept the house fires burning, not only for the family, but also for others who needed some home cooking, baking or amazing meals.

Manfred pursued his profession as interior decorator in the North East of Victoria.

While he was on his rounds working, Mandy was always looking after the children and the customers.

"I, Manfred, thank the Lord that I found a woman that has fulfilled everything I dreamed of and even more," he said.

Both Mandy and Manfred took over the Wangaratta Christian Book Centre and operated it for 17 and a half years.

The Wangaratta Christian Book Centre was the Bible Society distribution center for the North East.

The couple encouraged people to read the scriptures.

Mandy and Manfred started a youth drop-in centre in the middle of Reid Street resulting in up to 100 young folk coming in and spending hours playing games, drinking coffee and tea all supplied by the traders of Wangaratta and rent was paid by 10 churches.

They had a team of 65 young and old people to help, including Mandy organising the kitchen.

They also, once a month, held a church service in the various places of worship including pubs.

In all of these avenues Mandy was the catalyst.

Both Mandy and Manfred taught religious education for 20 years in the schools around the North East, running the floorcoverings - bookshop - church services, friendship groups as well as youth outings.

In a successful marriage both partners will and must pull together or it will not work.

"I just thank our God and Master, that he gave me a wonderful wife like Mandy, so far away from my birthplace in Germany," Manfred said.

"To make all these things come to pass, a successful family, running diverse businesses, help needy people, doing preaching, evangelising and visiting those in need around Wangaratta, all of this would not have been possible had it not been for a supportive and hands on wife like Mandy.

"She was an avid gardener, loved plants and trees, created fauna displays around the front and back of our house.

"Mandy was an avid seamstress for our children and others as well as a housecleaner for the Wangaratta council.

"We love her dearly and she will be very sadly missed.

"Thank you, dear God.

"Mandy rest in peace."

Manfred, Simon, Henry and Wendy.

The celebration of Mandy's life will be held at Mason Park Chapel, 95 Mason Street, Wangaratta at 2pm Thursday, 22 May.

Manfred requested those attending to wear, if possible, red or blue to send Mandy off in a colourful way.