Bunco, Quarters for a Cause, and general debauchery.  Known for always making sure nothing went to waste!  She loved Nothing Bundt cakes and egg rolls and a good laugh.  Even when, "You ain't right."  And we weren't... a lot of times.  This was just one of them when we showed up with our own to-go containers.  We also raised a lot of money for our community through Quarters. Your big heart will be missed.  You will be missed.

My memories of Tammy start when her father passed and we all piled in the station wagon to bring aunt Cindy and her children to come  live near us, in fact right across the street.  I was a very young child and as the eldest cousin, Tammy was often in charge of us all.  I always felt like she treated me ‘different’ because I was ‘special’ to her.  That she was looking out for me and protecting me and only me.  I idolized her, she was the epitome of cool, feathered hair and all.    I remember when Justin was born and Tammy proudly brought him to show us her new baby and I remember holding him and thinking ‘what a lucky baby to have Tammy as a mama’.

I have since come to realize that it wasn’t just me that Tammy made to feel special, it was everyone and anyone who met her.  Especially children.  She had a way with children that was so tender.  Even now, every time we’d talk and she’d call me ‘baby’ I would go right back to my little child self and feel just like I used to feel way back when.  She never stopped making me feel like her one and only.  And yet, everyone who reads this post will feel the exact way I feel, she made us all feel like we were her one and only’s.   

Tammy, I can’t believe you are gone.  I’ve cried some painful tears and had some sleepless nights trying to make sense of this.  But I am comforted in knowing that you passed on the same day as dad, uncle John. 

7/31 will forever be the day I remember you both and perhaps it’s fitting because he loved you so very much, it somehow makes sense that you would be connected to him in this way, as if his strength could somehow reach you, comfort you when you needed it most.  We love you Tammy.  I want to say goodbye, but I can’t.  I simply can’t let you go, so I won’t.  Rest in peace and power my beautiful one.  May your the fire in your soul never die, wherever it may be.

Tammy cared about everyone and everything. Friends, Family, her babies and fur babies. She took care of everyone. I hope that everyone knows, even if you weren’t that close, Tammy would have stood up for you, and she would have helped you if you needed it. Because she was that kind of person. She was really, really wonderful. The first memories of her I can remember, of my family going over for a super bowl party, later in the night everyone was playing rock band and I got to meet her new puppy Chloe. I remember how she opened me up and made me feel comfortable to participate and sang with me. Even if it was poker face and probably crazy for a 10 year old to sing lol, She would make everything fun and hilarious. She would support you and made sure everyone was comfortable and taken care of around her, and fed. I will miss everything about you. I will miss your voice, your laugh, and your quick wit humor.  I will miss your enchiladas and every time we left your tiny person hugs and kisses all the way out to the car. The way you would dance/sing to my songs i wrote when i was 14 even when I would dislike them. I remember you sitting in my first owned car telling me how nice it was and how proud you were of me getting a new mom van. I will remember how generous you were when you bought a cabana for my 21st birthday for us all to hangout and play in the casino. I will always remember when that bitch heather offered her house for my baby shower, then pulled out last minute and you had to tell us because she wouldn’t, but then stepped in and offered your home and made sure it was the best baby shower there was. All of my loved ones that you knew and those that didn’t, every single one had to comment how kind and loving you were, and amazingly hospitable. It usually only took one impression of you to show what a loving soul you were. It only took one impression of you for each and everyone of us to love you. I will remember all these memories of you and hundreds moreover.

I played Bunco with Tammy for many years and this was the night we wore onesies. She was sure I was going to wear a KC Chiefs onsie to rival her Broncos onsie. Still can’t wrap my head around that she’s gone. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

My dearest Tammy,

I'm struggling to find the words to say goodbye. Our story wasn't a typical one. We started as family by marriage, but the bond we built was one of the heart, a bond that thankfully outlasted any legal tie. When my life changed, you stayed. You chose to be my friend, my confidante, my sister.

You were the sister I got to choose, and I will be forever grateful for that choice. I'll miss your humor, your unwavering support, and the way you could make any situation better just by talking through it with me. The world feels a little darker and a lot quieter without you in it.

You were taken from us far too soon, and the void you leave is immense. I will miss you more than words can say. I will carry your memory, our memories, with me always. Thank you for being my sister and my friend. Rest in easy Tammy! ❤️🪽💔

My sincere condolences to Justin, family and friends who knew and loved this wonderful woman.  Gone too soon.  You will be missed but never forgotten.  R.I.P. Tammy. ❤️

My niece Tammy was born when I was 12 years old. I was over the moon.   I spent so much time with her during her childhood and loved her dearly.  I am saddened beyond words as I try to process her loss and wished I'd known of the anguish, to such an extreme degree, she was going through . As the writer of the 24th chapter of the book of Acts, I too have the hope "towards God that there will be a resurrection".  That hope gives us the strength to go on during unbearable grief such as at this time. My condolences to all who loved her.  
Elizabeth Newell-Williams 
(Aunt Betsy)

My first country thunder would not have been the same without meeting Tammy. I will forever cherish our chats when we were avoiding the heat. Her heart was as pure as they come and I will miss her deeply. Thank you for being such a bright light in my life. Rest easy sweet friend 💕💕💕

OBITUARY

Tammy Leigh Tamayo

2 October, 1965 – 31 July, 2025

Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services