Amanda Rice-Johnston

Amanda Louise Rice-Johnston, 42, passed away January 2, 2026, in Pittsburgh, six years after suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm on November 19, 2019. Survived by her loving partner, Bryan Conley, her parents Eric and Linda Rice-Johnston, and her brother, Neil Rice-Johnston. Amanda received a BA from Michigan State and an MA from Temple University in Music Performance and completed a 2-year Music Performance Residency certificate program at Carnegie Mellon. She was a professional musician, playing her bass in the Pittsburgh area and beyond, frequently playing with Wheeling, West Virginia, and Grand Rapids Symphonies, with the Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet, and performing as principal bass of the Westmoreland Symphony. She was a founding member of the Kassia Ensemble. Amanda was a brilliant musician, friend, cheese plate artist, queen of iconic spontaneous group selfies, a lover of cats and instigator of delightful diversions. She will be deeply missed. May her memory be a blessing. Arrangements Entrusted to the Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home, 500 Greenfield Ave. 15207.

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