Andrea

Felton

Andrea Felton was born June 9, 1961 and passed away peacefully on November 5, 2026.

She was an amazing mother, dedicated sister and long time small business owner. She was universally loved and respected by countless friends, clients and family.

Andy’s achievements and accomplishments are not those of the traditional type but are best captured in the way she lived life. She had a confidence, style, ease and grace that was inspiring and contagious. A magnetic personality, sense of humor and laugh that was infectious and one of those rare human beings that seemed to make everyone and everything around her -better.

Her dedication to her family and friends was unmatched. She was always a solid foundation that could be relied on. Whether you needed advice, a problem solved or just some moral support she was always around to help make things right. Somehow, after being around her you would always leave with your mind at ease and an improved outlook on whatever may lie ahead. Mostly because you knew-she had your back.

Andy was selfless. Even when suffering herself, you would not hear her complain. She would always take care of her own, but never hesitate to help others in need. She was primarily concerned with the well being of others. Every acquaintance and friend she would meet or see would never leave without her asking about their own and the well being of their own family. If help was needed, it was given. If she couldn’t help you, she would find someone that could. Even in her final moments, she was asking me what was wrong, not what was wrong with her, and making sure her family and everyone else around her was ok.

A leader by example, Andy ran a small business Profiles Salon and Day Spa for over 30 years. For her clients and friends, sitting in Andy’s chair was not only an appointment for your hair, it was a free therapy session. “Cosmetologists” have been practicing some form of counseling way before “talking about your feelings” was cool and are largely under-appreciated for the service they provide. Andy understood this, and just how beneficial “talking to someone” was for her clients. At the same time the bond and relationship established with her clients was symbiotic. Being a busy single mother and running a small business was chaotic at times but she always had a client, friend or connection that could help our family in some way. Our “family” was just the two of us but it never felt that way. We had a huge network, like a secondary family of amazing human beings we could always reach out to and rely on.

For her employees and coworkers the Salon was a safe place, a place to build a life long career and a formation of another tight knit family. So many of her long time friends worked in the salon that it felt like a second home. They were, and still are another safety net that we always had to rely on. I will always appreciate and have the utmost respect for all of them.

Andy loved the outdoors, especially any form of skiing. Snow or water, she lived for it. Her aptitude of living life to the fullest translated into this sport. Text book technique and dedication meets artistic flair. Even if you had never seen a well executed ski turn in your life, you would stop and watch her and understand that was something special. The symmetry and shape of

the turn, the dusting of snow or rooster tail on the water.. It was artwork in motion. She was both graceful and aggressive. A real life manifestation of “flow state” expressed right before your eyes, and it was always amazing to witness.

Scuba diving was her next love, a perfect fit for her elegance and grace. She was a natural in the water. Always in control, graceful and balanced. The scenery, sea life and calm-quiet environment coupled with the sense of adventure, challenge, and risk were the perfect pairing for her. She lived, and dove with a certain efficiency. Somehow, when the dive was done, no matter how long or eventful Andy always seemed to have more oxygen left in her tank than anyone else. Typical and not unexpected considering how she lived. Always up for more, always energy left for everyone else.

Her ease and grace was always matched with a type of determination and grittiness to be respected. Andy loved doing hard things and was always up for a challenge-without complaint. She took on goals and challenges with vigor and excitement, which is why she lived life with such ease. Her life was not easy by any means, but her approach to life -which was simply a decision- is something we can all learn from. Having a positive mental attitude was her greatest strength and something I will always be grateful for learning from her.

I will never forget my first mountain bike ride with her. As a teenager going for a ride with my 40 year old mother should be “easy” right? I should’ve known better. While I was gasping for breath with every pedal stroke, she was speaking to me in full sentences with ease, saying all types of positive things like “check out the flowers”, “look at that view”, “doesn’t it feel good to breathe!” all while making it look easy.

As a single mother she had a mother lion style of parenting that proved to be invaluable. Of course she knew I was struggling, but she also understood she was educating me at all times. Teaching me something necessary to my success in the future. This was one of those lessons that she would teach by example over and over again. Even when things are tough, you never give up, just keep putting in the work. That hard work turns into improvement and before you know it, your problem is solved and you are better for it.

“If at first you don’t succeed-try-try again” was her mantra to me.

Looking back, this approach and skill of hers was absolutely essential to my future. As a very introverted and shy only child she was always the perfect balance of compassion and motivation, support and freedom. She allowed me to be my own human. To find my own way-but she was always there to make sure I did not veer off too far off the path.

Unknowingly, the example she set also gave me the tools I needed to find a spouse, a partner and a best friend. No doubt the bar she set was high but my wife shares so many of her positive traits and behaviors that it’s remarkable and sometimes unbelievable I found her. My wife is a dedicated and amazing mother, physically talented, eternally positive and always up for a challenge. I know for sure my mother would not have left this earth unless I was in good hands.

In fact she told me as much; with Sarah by my side, she knew everything was ok and that her grand daughters would always be in good hands.

As a parent of two young daughters, I can never repay my mother enough for her lessons. Parenting is not easy, and of course there is no guidebook or instruction manual but if anyone could have a PhD in “grand-mothering” it would be her. She had a way and bond with my two girls that was instantaneous and unshakable. She always provided more love than I ever thought possible was to these girls.

While “Ammie” will always be missed, her legacy lives on through my daughters. Kailani and Lanaia are already the type of human beings I wish I could be. Their dedication, tenacity, ability to work hard, grace, sense of humor, positive attitude, skills, physical talents, and infectious laughs seem to be passed directly from her and I am so grateful for it.

To my Aunties Brandy and Jackie. I’m not sure who is Yin and who is Yang but we love both of you and your extremes. The three of you together were always something to behold. I can’t think of a more authentic, passionate and hilarious group of people. You are like a puzzle made of different types of pieces that somehow, always fit together. Thank you for always being there for my Mother and I. Your dedication to her in both good and difficult times will never be forgotten. Thank you for helping raise me, and caring for me at all times. The amount of love you have shown me always made me feel a thousand feet tall, and that I had nothing to fear. I’m not sure I can ever repay you but know that I will always have your back, lend a helping hand or at a minimum say something ridiculous to try to lighten the mood. Our family is not large, and we may be all that’s left-but we are everything we need.

To Andy’s friends. If the company you keep is an expression of one's character you are all an amazing reflection of her. Please know that you are always loved and respected and thank you for all the great times you spent with my Mother to enrich her life. I hope she provided you with some great memories, lessons and also improved your life along the way.

To everyone reading this. You are allowed to be sad. However, you are not allowed to suffer. Whenever you are out in nature, going for a hike, ski run, ride or swim remember her. Please take lessons from her and live your life to the fullest. Make yourself better. Love and care for your family and friends. Leave things a little better than you found them. Challenge and improve yourself… and-most importantly as Andy would say “don’t forget to look at the flowers!”

Thank you Mom for teaching, leading and loving like no one else.

Always missed, never forgotten. We will live our lives in your example.

Your son,

D