Amber Elizabeth Galvan

On September 17th, the Super Harvest Moon was closest to Earth. Pulling with all its might it took our cherished Amber Elizabeth Hunter Galvan - with a heart so big the moon was covered with her presence.

Born on March 5th, 1995, Amber was the treasured first child of Liza and Ariel, the first grandchild to Jesus and Irma Galvan (McAllen, Texas), and the third grandchild to Ronald and Lalita Hunter (Maraetai, Auckland, New Zealand). She grew up in Northwest San Antonio, a protective big sister to HaLeigh, Taigen, and Tristan.

Life was an adventure for Amber, full of travels to New Zealand, Hawaii, Fiji, Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia and even to Beijing to watch the Olympics. Amber was fortunate to live in New Zealand for extended periods but most of her time was spent exploring Texas and the U.S.

A pivotal moment in Amber’s life occurred in 2007 when, at 11 years old, she was hurt in a car accident, leaving her in a coma for four weeks with a life altering brain injury. She turned 12 soon after awakening from her coma. While her body healed, the cognitive challenges she faced led to struggles with social isolation. Yet, she fought back with determination and resilience, with her family and community supporting her every step of the way.

Despite these hardships, Amber thrived in the outdoors and athletics. She ran countless miles training for varsity cross country and track while in high school. Her athletic ability didn't stop there, she hiked the Grand Canyon’s Rim to Rim to Rim, topped Colorado 14ers, and summited New Zealand's Mt. Taranaki and Mt. Ruapehu just to name a few.

She loved to perform. As a young girl she played Goldilocks in a school play. She wrote poetry which shared at summer cross country camp and gained confidence as a young woman to dance and sing like a superstar. Truly the life of the party, she was a ‘Dancing Queen’, she was in her comfort zone on the dancefloor devoted to moving spontaneously to hits from all eras. Moving with power, beauty and grace, she was often accompanied by friends and strangers wanting to partake in the exuberance Amber exuded.

Amber’s passions went beyond her physical abilities. Her innocence came front and center seeing beauty in everything she had a profound love for life’s little things – collecting rocks, seashells, sticks, and even rubbish that she turned into art as a way to express herself. Her passion for fashion and her collection of oversized sparkling jewelry were a direct reflection of her colorful spirit.

Her quirks were endearing. On a cloudy day she would apply sunscreen while indoors, brushed her teeth more than the daily recommendation, steeped tea bags in mugs often forgetting their placement, was constantly jourling poems, names, daily activities, and reminders. She loved the fresh pages a new journal had to offer, but never filled one from beginning to end. Amber had clusters of items such tissue paper, cash, jewelry, lip gloss…were often found lost in her pockets and sunglasses worn over her eyewear were a must.

Her innocence and zest for life were infectious, making her both outgoing and introspective. Her dry wit and humorous nature charmed everyone she met. A convincing, personable, oversharing spirit had her often stealing people away or inviting herself into conversations. In efforts to engage, her dry witty humor and ability to hit the punchline left many speechless.

Amber’s generosity was boundless making her a terrible businesswoman often gifting or heavily discounting items to customers, especially children, who embraced her warm generous nature. No drive was stronger than her yearn to fit in, to be accepted and social; especially when it came to garnering the attention of boys - she had an extra soft spot for drummers and was bound and determined to find her Ken.

Amber’s infectious smile, luminous sage-green eyes, and caring personality will forever remain in our hearts. When you think of Amber, we ask that you remember her unwavering kind innocent spirit and her energy and zest for life. In her honor, extend a hand to individuals that don't have a social group – take them for a walk, lunch, a movie, invite them out with your friend group, get their nails done, sit down for a chat, include them. And, celebrate life as she did - like no one is watching or listening.

Amber leaves behind her parents, Liza and Ariel, her brother Tristan, her sisters HaLeigh and Taigen, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her Uncle Warwick.

Amber’s Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, September 29th, at 11:06 AM at the business her family built in her honor, The Divide - 21880 Babcock Road