Amy Eyles Kunstman

BANGOR - Amy Eyles Kunstman, 46, of Bangor died peacefully surrounded by her family and friends on January 14, 2019. She was born February 9, 1972 in Bangor, Maine, the daughter of Steve and Alice Eyles. Amy grew up in Newburgh, graduating from Hampden Academy in 1990. She received a Bachelors Degree in Social Work and English from the University of Maine and a Masters Degree in Social Work, earning her LCSW. She then moved to Lincoln, Maine where she worked for NOE and then for CHCS as a counselor working with children ages 4 thru teens. She later moved back to Bangor where she worked her final years at Acadia Hospital as part of the Consult Team.

At a young age, Amy developed a love for animals, and especially horses, always having one in her back yard. She spent childhood summers riding at Johnsons Riding Camp and was a member of the Penobscot Pony Club. Being a life long horse enthusiast and horse owner, she completed training in Equine Assisted Pyscho-Therapy and established Horses 4 Inspiration, a mental health therapeutic intervention in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning.

Amy was always quick to put others before herself. She volunteered for The Rape Response Hotline, Donate life, an organization promoting organ donations, and she served on the American Red Cross Blood Services Board of Directors. She also volunteered at blood drives and was continually asked to share her story of being an organ recipient. Amy was an inspiration to many people.

At age 19, Amy had begun struggling with her health. Following the latest in medical technology led the family first to UCSD Medical Center in San Diego, and then later on to the Cleveland Clinic where in 2004 Amy underwent a bilateral lung transplant. Miraculously after 11 trips back to surgery, almost 400 units of blood, and 8 months later, Amy returned home to begin life with her new lungs and a tenacious will to live. Amy took advantage of every opportunity both professionally and personally to make the most of life - trips to Ireland, Jamaica, Hawaii, and many other places as well as a climb up Mt. Katahdin

Amy is survived by her husband Mark Kunstman of Bangor, mother Alice Eyles of Hampden, brother Benson Eyles and wife Jessica of Hampden, sister Molly Cyr and husband Craig of Hampden, 6 nieces and nephews: Sierra Gagnon, Denali and Kobe Eyles, Meghan, Hunter, and Oliver Cyr. Amy was recently predeceased by her father Steve Eyles.

Amy will be remembered for her incredibly positive attitude and her unwavering determination to live life to the fullest, as if every day were the last. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held 11am Thursday, January 24, 2019 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 540 Essex Street, Bangor, with the Rev. Ellen Clement officiating. A reception will follow at the church immediately after the service, Thursday. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.