Tamara Rae Pedersen

Tamara Pedersen (née Gilday), my beloved wife, left us peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta. Tamara’s life was a testament to strength, grace, and an enduring spirit, despite the complications of living with diabetes.

Tamara was born and raised in Calgary, brought up in a loving home by her parents Muriel and Micheal Gilday who continue to carry her memory forward. Tamara is also survived by her husband Allan, her sister Kim, brother-in-law Jack Hatcher, and their children Jay and Skye who adored her deeply. She was predeceased by her brother Marty. Tamara’s extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished in-laws also loved her dearly.

Tamara grew up in the Winston Heights area. After graduating from Crescent Heights High School, she went on to pursue a Secretarial Arts diploma at SAIT. Her career was as varied as it was impactful. From Foothills Pipelines—where she was thrilled to have her first helicopter ride—to Worldwide Energy for a brief time. Next, she spent several years at Thorne, Ernst & Whinny Chartered Accountants, where she handled many duties and made numerous friends. In the early 1990s, after a short stint at Norcen Energy she found her true calling at Dominion Construction, advancing from receptionist to field assistant to small project manager and certified safety officer. It was during these years she was most happy professionally and personally. After many years, and with major changes at the company she would leave. She worked at several other jobs after but was never as happy as when she was at Dominion Construction. In 2010 Tamara would retire to enjoy her other interests.

Tamara’s passions extended far beyond her professional life. She was an adventurer at heart, traveling to many islands in the Caribbean, but Maui, Hawaii was her favourite retreat. Summers were spent camping, all over the Pacific Northwest but mostly in the East Kootenay region of BC. She loved to cook and try new recipes and even though she hated shopping she loved to shop for new food ingredients. Music was her sanctuary—loud, unapologetic Rock & Roll that lit up her world and made even more extraordinary by a phenomenon called synesthesia, allowing her to see colours when hearing music or speech. She enjoyed gardening and was very proud of her yard, and her devotion to her dogs Tucker, Murphy, and Mischiff added a great deal of joy and companionship to her days.

Above all, Tamara’s greatest happiness came from her family and friends, whom she loved unconditionally and cherished more than anything else. Her warmth, humour, and boundless affection enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

The family and I would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, EMS personnel, firefighters and caregivers who have come to Tamara’s assistance over the years for their professional and caring help.

A private Family Graveside Service will be held.