Tammy had an unconventional upbringing, surrounded by: home grown odes, pantomime and theatre; family anecdotes from Yemen, India, Africa and Oxford and numerous family pets. There was no TV,  but there was Greek and Latin; classic literature; poetry and music. All within a family with deeply held Christian beliefs and a respect for tradition and traditional values. From this eclectic, ecclesiastical and sometimes chaotic environment our Tammy emerged, with a joy for life and a deep and enduring love of animals. In old photos she is rarely seen without a dog, cat or rabbit.

A dreary comprehensive education, left her with an everlasting distaste for school and a general suspicion of authority and ‘the system’. She did however find friendship with similarly minded reactionaries and the trio of Catriana, Alison and Tammy remained close throughout Tammy’s life.

Tammy had a traditional and gritty 1980’s nurse training in York, confronted daily with illness, distress, blood, and bodily functions and a great deal of hard work; an environment where if you don’t laugh you cry. She laughed of course and came away with a mischievous and earthy sense of humour and two enduring friendships in Louise and Fiona.

Throughout midlife and beyond, Tammy was a champion for the lost, the down-trodden and the least privileged. Her early travels took her to Calcutta to assist at Mother Teresa’s hospice and leper house. And back in the UK she would spend much time helping voluntarily to provide succour to the elderly, and to others who would otherwise be left alone and unsupported by our care system.

Tammy met Julian in 1991 but took some eight years to be convinced he was up to scratch. They married in 1999 and had 24 years of happy marriage, built on the strongest of foundations; mutual trust and respect. And of course much laughter. George and Lizzy were born in 2001 and 2003 and Tammy gave them both all the love, care and guidance that a mother could give, as well as many, many happy memories. This was a woman who, in the school’s PTA, charmed the officers at RAF Shawbury to land a helicopter in the field of Coleham Primary School for the annual fete. For the gift of Tammy as wife and mother, her family could not be more proud, and thankful.

As a Clinical Psychologist, Tammy cared for head trauma victims. Her professional abilities were complimented by her humanity, beliefs and a good dose of common sense. These skills also allowed her to help many family and friends through difficult times; it was never a burden for Tammy to prioritise time to loved ones and give guidance and support.

Tammy was of course a devout Christian, although one who did not adhere to a denomination or rigid dogma. She loved the ‘ceremony’ but had no interest in the ‘pomp’. She simply lived and breathed the most essential teachings of her beloved Jesus in the most practical way, throughout her daily life. She did this without judgement or conceit. She felt most comfortable amongst the honest and intimate surroundings of Radbrook Community Centre with the congregation of Christ the King. She attended every Sunday she was able and would play the piano, even when battling against the pain and exhaustion of her illness. 

Whilst selfless to a fault, humble and forgiving, Tammy was not a shrinking violet. She riled against misplaced authority and was forthright in challenging the domineering and the judgmental.

The greatest lesson she gave us was by example: She recognised that we are all subjected to the vagaries of fate and are often unable to control our environment, relationships and health. And despite her own grim diagnosis she fought off self-pity and introspection. She took personal responsibility for making the best of the situation and was determined and disciplined in both her physical and mental approach to the illness. Her extraordinary strength during this period was inspiring. Tammy’s optimism, determination and simple will to live overcame the statistical odds. Without knowing when the end would be she saw each day as being more precious, and  made the most of it, not least of all in her astonishingly fast learning the saxophone.

Tammy would not want her eulogy to be too maudlin. This was a woman who, when tickled by a passage from ‘Three Men in a Boat’, or a bit of slapstick from Dad’s Army or Harry Hill, could quite literally, weep with uncontrollable laughter. She pulled funny faces with glee, she loved silliness and tomfoolery and was naturally smiling and cheerful. Christmas parties were an annual neighbourhood event with hymns accompanied by lusty singing, piano, guitar and home-made pantomime. And there are one or two here today who will long remember roles as ugly sisters.

Tammy made friends wherever she went and many are here today. She left us secure in the knowledge that she had loved and been loved, and she gifted us with a wealth of precious and happy memories. For that we will be forever thankful.

As a testament to Tammy’s reach and influence we will leave the final word to the lads at Featherstone Prison who wrote the following to Tammy’s family in August:

To Tammy’s Family

Hello to you all. First of all let me take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. My name is Karl, a resident within the establishment.
You may well be asking yourself, why am I putting pen to paper and writing to you now. The reason is because I feel compelled to do so.
I would like to say that I fully appreciated Tammy’s visits to our chapel here at Featherstone. Let’s just say that Tammy left an indelible mark upon the lads. We were touched by Tammy’s strength, courage and determination in trying to fight the cancer.

The one lesson that Tammy has taught me is to take advantage of each day that comes around, and do a lot of things in any given day – and never take life for granted!

My heart truly goes out to you all at this moment in time. We are all truly sorry that the new cancer drugs have not worked.
Tammy is a remarkable lady who has strong fighting spirit, full of grace and compassion and a true and strong commitment to Jesus. It is Tammy’s faith in the Lord that will see her through this final battle!

All of the lads at Featherstone are praying for you and Tammy on a daily basis!

May God bless you all.

Kind Regards, from Karl