Some of the people in the office and I were talking about Tammy this afternoon. We hadn't heard anything about her in years and years. We all worked together at an appraisal office twenty five years ago.
I'm so so sorry to learn of her passing. What a sweet sweet girl. I remember her smiles and laughs and I remember her praying for others.
I hope to see her again one day.
Peace
Tammy:
I decided to use your favorite color...it has taken me awhile but I wanted to share with you and Dale that I loved and love being your wedding cooridinator, your dance partner, your prayer partner, your shopping consultant, your TV guest. But of all the different roles that I played in your life and you played in mine, I loved being your oldest sister.
I know you are loving the streets of gold, the gates of pearl and all the diamonds because that is just the kind of gal you are...jewelry is your middle name and gems are your game....
Our time together in the Northwest was so special. Multinomah Falls, B-52 cake at Beaches on the Columbia, the light of moon and stars on the river after, watching the planes come into PDX...and dreams of you both flying in to our little airport across the way...now you don't need artificial wings.
Yes we miss you and all of your funny stories, your smile, your laugh, all of which we will again enjoy. Your time on planet earth was short, but we will have eternity to catch up. Thanks for the memories and always know you are loved.
Our Fondest Memories, Our Love and Most of Our Shared Faith in God,
Dalene & Bruce
Tammy and I met while attending college together at Mesa Community College (MCC) in Mesa, Arizona in 1991. Tammy was really supportive of me when I was pushing for certain grades, and when I wasn’t sure what I’d do after graduation. I graduated in 1992 with an AA and Tammy did my makeup for me for graduation day. I came to know Tammy as a supportive, spiritual, and dedicated friend whose relationships were important to her, and she nurtured them in a lovely, compassionate way that left you feeling that Tammy really cared.
I went on to obtain my BA and MA at Arizona State University, and Tammy and I lost touch for a few years. I returned to MCC in 1998 to start teaching Sociology part time. I was walking across campus one afternoon in 2001 when Tammy saw me and called to me. She and her husband Dale and I talked for a bit and I exchanged numbers with Tammy. It was great to see her again. We chatted on the phone soon afterward, caught up on each other’s lives, and started emailing. Then I didn’t hear from Tammy for a while. When she was finally able to, Tammy called to apologize for the late response and told me how Dale had been in a bicycle accident and had sustained horrific injuries, and how she worried about his recovery. This time I was able to lend an ear and offer support. Tammy was concerned about getting the right kind of treatment for Dale’s recuperation, and about his full memory returning. Over time, Tammy reported that Dale was slowly coming back to full strength and she felt as if life was returning to normal. The major crisis was over. Tammy and I lost touch again in 2002 through our busy schedules, catching up once again in 2003.
On August 30, 2006 I returned from a business trip and listened to a message waiting for me from Dale regarding Tammy, but it was ominously lacking any detail. It was late and I had to wait until morning. First thing next morning, I left a message for Dale telling him I’d try him at the house. When I called their house, I heard Tammy DeNeane’s voice on the voice mail but didn’t leave a message. I figured the options were that something had happened, or that he was planning a surprise for her, and I probably shouldn’t “let the cat out of the bag.” I was hoping for the latter and dreading the prior. Dale called a little while later to tell me the bad news that Tammy had passed from breast cancer on August 20th. I couldn’t speak. I knew Dale needed my support but in that moment, it was me who felt in need of a brace. No words would come. Dale expressed how hard it was to have to tell Tammy’s friends and that’s when the tears fell. And again as I write this. All I could think to do was be there for Dale the way Tammy had been there for me, so we chatted for a while.
I’ll miss Tammy and won’t forget her kindnesses. I’ve printed health care articles that I found from the internet under her name. In her honor, I’ll pay more attention to her health suggestions and say a silent “thanks” to her every time I try one. I may even “tell” her how well they worked. I think that’s what she would have wanted. Tonight in my Sociology class, I’ll dedicate the semester to her, at our alma mater.
The picture is Dale and Tammy (back to the camera) attending my post-graduation party in 1992. Tammy is sitting next to my son who is now a grown man of 26 now. I wish she had gotten to see him all grown up.
With fond memories of Tammy and the greatest respect for the D'Angelo Family:
I will miss your great concern and love you showed for Pat and I with her AVM and my back and IC . Wth losing our home 08/29/05 then losing you on my birthday it has been a hard ride but through it all as You always said "we do not know why it is happening but God is still in control." Dale we will not leave you behind as we move on with our lives. You will become a very big part of it and we can all be sure Tammy is watching and will always be in our lives and hearts. "Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the lord of them" and so it shall be. With love to the whole family from ... Pat Walter and YOUR other nephew Kenny Nash
