Mandy Sue (Robertson) Shuda

Mandy Sue Shuda, 48, of Metamora, IL passed away at 7:30 am on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

She was born on March 27, 1975 in Peoria, IL.  She married James A. Shuda on May 3, 2002 in Peoria, IL.

Surviving are her husband, James Shuda of Metamora, IL; son, Brogan and Kayla (Dennison) West of Metamora, IL; daughter, Adelin Shuda of Metamora, IL; son, Kyler Shuda of Metamora, IL; grandson, Xander West of Metamora, IL; sister, Bobby Jo Brown (Scott Perkins) of Hanna City, IL; brother, William and Christina (West) Magnuson of East Peoria, IL; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her beloved dog, Oakley and cat, Harlo.

Mandy was an Active Guard Reserve member of the Illinois Air National Guard where she served over 24 years before retiring on December 31, 2018. During her military career Mandy achieved the rank of Master Sergeant (E-7) and earned numerous awards. On several occasions, MSgt Mandy Shuda was nominated as the Airman of the Year, Non-Commissioned Officer of the year, and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the year for her unit. Mandy spent most of her career with the 182 Airlift Wing Financial Management unit. She concluded her career working as a Logistics Readiness Planner with the 182nd Air Support Operations Group.

Upon retirement Mandy attended Eureka College pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. Her passion was to teach students that needed extra time or additional assistance. While at Eureka College Mandy was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and underwent numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. But with her drive and determination she graduated with a 3.96 GPA earning Summa Cum Laude honors. Even with a diagnosis of being terminally ill she pursued her dream and was hired by Metamora Grade School as a 6th grade Special Education teacher in the fall of 2022. During this time, Mandy advocated for her students and the relationships that she built went far beyond the walls of a classroom until the cancer spread making it too difficult to continue teaching.

Mandy fought her cancer for three and a half years. Most of the time it was hard to tell how sick she was because she put on a brave face and hid her pain. She wanted to live her life and do some things on her "bucket list" such as see the Oregon coast as well as the big island of Hawaii. She achieved all she wanted to and then some. She created a Facebook page entitled "My Battle" where she documented her entire journey, good and bad, in hopes to inspire others to live their lives the best they can with whatever circumstance they find themselves in. She certainly accomplished that.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora, IL with Pastor Chuck Tate officiating and with military rites accorded. In lieu of a walk-through visitation or flowers, the family would love for people to donate to the Metamora Grade School Playground Renovation. This project will provide much needed new playground equipment that all children can play on regardless of any disabilities they may have. This project was near and dear to Mandy's heart. For more information and to donate online, please go to https://www.mgsredbirds.org/page/playground. Please leave a little note in the comment section indicating it's in honor of Mandy Shuda. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Metamora Grade School Playground Fund
c/o Metamora Grade School, 815 East Chatham Street, Metamora IL 61548
Web: http://www.givebutter.com/c/mgsplayground

Place "playground" in the memo line when writing a check.