Amanda Anna Elizabeth (Olds) Lidgard

Amanda Anna Elizabeth Lidgard, age 98 of Mishawaka, passed away on March 8, 2023 at Greenleaf Health in Elkhart.  Amanda was born October 23, 1924, in Wolcottville, Indiana to the late Earl and Clara (Hamilton) Olds.  She was a graduate of Winimac High School and began a job at Studebaker in South Bend where she met John Lidgard.  They fell in love and married on September 20, 1944.  John preceded her in death in 1997.

Surviving are her children William “Bill” Lidgard of Houston, Texas, Brenda Nierzwicki of South Bend, and John E. Lidgard of Mishawaka, along with 7 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  Amanda was preceded in death by her siblings Charles Olds, Claude Olds, Carl Olds, Richard Olds, Helen Mechling, Marcile Swanson and Marlene Peddycord, as well as her grandson Michael Lidgard.

There will be a celebration of Amanda’s life from 4-7pm Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  A private graveside service will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at a later time. A livestream of her visitation will be held from 4-6pm in the window below.

Amanda and John owned Lidgard Construction and she assisted in the day-to-day operations as the company’s bookkeeper.  For over 50 years she and her husband spent their winters in Boynton Beach, Florida. She loved to spend time collecting antiques and both shopping for and selling items at the flea market. In the Spring and Summer, she loved raising flowers and vegetables in her gardens.  Because of her love of the outdoors, Amanda also enjoyed fishing at the family’s lake cottage and hunting for Morel mushrooms in the Spring.  She also served the community as a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Her love for life was evident as she always enjoyed a good meal and a glass of wine and a long walk outdoors.  Her quick wit and fabulous sense of humor brought joy to her family and friends. Most of all, she loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her family.

In her memory, donations may be made to Lake Worth First Church of the Nazarene, 1401 2nd Avenue North, Lake Worth, Florida, 33460.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of her life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit www.CruzFamilyFH.com.