Amanda Pond, 79, of Milford, Connecticut since 1982, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026.

Amanda Pond, 79, a beloved resident of Milford, Connecticut since 1982, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026. Born on May 14, 1947, in Carshalton Beeches, England, Amanda was the cherished daughter of the late Frank and Molly Avery (née Harrington) of Bosham, a small town south of London, United Kingdom. In 1985, Amanda married the love of her life, Melvyn Pond, with whom she shared a devoted marriage built on love, partnership, and many cherished memories.

From an early age, Amanda possessed a spirited independence that remained with her throughout her life. She attended a local convent school, where her inquisitive nature proved stronger than the nuns' best efforts to tame it. She later completed her education at Croydon College before embracing the excitement of London's "Swinging Sixties."

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Amanda began an adventurous career with the British Foreign Office, serving in postings in the Ivory Coast, Barcelona, and Paris. During her time in France, she became fluent in French and developed a lifelong appreciation for French culture, cuisine, and wine.

After relocating to the United States, Amanda's lifelong love of music flourished. Having won music competitions as a child for her recorder performances, she devoted herself to preserving and promoting early music. She founded and directed the Manhattan Recorder Orchestra, served as manager of a Baroque ensemble based in Montreal, and was a dedicated member of the Board of the Boston Early Music Festival. Through these endeavors, she inspired countless musicians and helped foster a vibrant community devoted to historical performance.

Above all, Amanda treasured her family. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Melvyn Pond; her daughters, Merrill Pond and Bethany Erickson; grandchildren, Elliott Erickson and Samantha Erickson; her niece, Samantha Avery; and her nephew, Kevin Avery. Her warmth, intelligence, adventurous spirit, and passion for music and culture will remain an enduring legacy to all who knew and loved her.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 11am to 12:30pm at Cody-White Funeral Home 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boston Early Music Festival at bemf.org and the Connecticut Audubon Society at ctaudubon.org in Amanda's memory.