Amanda Almonte

Amanda Almonte

December 25, 1949 – February 11, 2025

Amanda Almonte dedicated her life to making the world a more beautiful place both through her practice of the arts as well as by supporting other artists.

Amanda studied at the University of Illinois Chicago and the Illinois Institute of Art, earning a degree in Theatre Arts. Throughout her teen and college years, she danced and performed Mexican folklorico dance. Throughout her adult years she danced flamenco with Miguel Santos and Teatro Flamenco de San Francisco, before founding Mexican folklorico with Ensambles Ballet Folklorico de San Francisco in 1992. With them, she performed in the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival in 1996, 1997, and 1998; as well as serving as Executive Director of the company for several years.

In 2014 Ms. Almonte was honored with a Mujeres Destacadas Star Award in Oakland, CA, for her success as an entrepreneur. Amanda served on the board of directors for the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival for almost twenty years. She presented her beautiful floral art two times in the prestigious juried “Bouquets to Art” at the De Young Museum, San Francisco.

Amanda loved to travel, enjoy great food, music, but most especially – spending time with friends. She was a warm, loving, generous person whose dazzling smile and impeccable style has left its indelible mark on our hearts. As her brother, Rene says,

“To all who knew her…

Saddened to inform you that Blanca and I lost our youngest sister, Amanda. She passed away yesterday from rheumatoid arthritis complications. Beautiful, bright star, talented Flamenco dancer, director of Ensembles Dance Group, self-made entrepreneurial owner of several flower shops.

All who knew her were touched by her kindness and vivacity.

Please wish her well on her continued journey…”

Ms. Almonte is survived by her brother Rene David Michel-Trapaga and her sister Blanca Almonte, and was preceded in death by her brother, Luis Almonte; and her “hijo del corazon” Max Monroy Miller. She is also survived by her niece Yvonne Almonte Shevalier, Louis Almonte, Philip Almonte, David Almonte (deceased),  Alexander Almonte, Rachel Almonte Bracali, Marcelina Michel-Trapaga and Reyna Dawn Michel-Trapaga .. Amanda was the daughter of renowned Chicago journalist Armando Almonte, a pioneer of Chicago’s Spanish language radio, newspaper, and movies; and Maria Luisa Michel Trapaga Almonte, who dedicated over 30 years to teaching arts & crafts, including floral arts. It is from this foundation that Amanda became an accomplished artist of many disciplines, as well as a generous supporter of the arts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Amanda Almonte, please visit our floral store.