Tamara Elena (Marinov) Anderson

Tamara “Tammy” Marinov Anderson died on November 29, 2025.

She was born on December 15, 1938 in Antofagasta Chile, to Antonio and Yako Marinov. Tammy leaves behind three sons, Robert, Matthew, Christopher, and her daughters-in-law, Karen, Cindy, and Mindy, as well as seven grandchildren who called her “Nona”: Christopher, Katie, Caroline, Mollie, Wyatt, Gordon, and Gunnar, and one great grandchild, William Miller Anderson. Her oldest son David Jr. preceded her in death in 2017 as well as her husband Edward “Ed” Latavitz who preceded her in death in January of 2025. She was a loving sister to her family in Chile; Brothers Branko and Pilo Marinov, and sister Neda. She was preceded in death by her older brother Ivan Marinov.

Tammy graduated from high school in Antofagasta in 1957 and proceeded to become a Miss Chile contestant and go onto become a stewardess with Lan Chile airlines. She would occasionally slip a mickey to unruly passengers to get them to shut it or a laxative to those who “deserved it”. She met her first husband, a gringo, David Gordon Anderson in Antofagasta. They were married in 1960 and welcomed 3 children while residing in Chile alongside her family who have many happy memories of she and Dave entertaining and driving around in his mustang convertible. Her 4th son was born in Newport Beach, CA not long after the family relocated to the United States in 1970 due to Dave’s job.

Dave’s job provided Tammy the opportunity to raise her family in a number of locations including California, Columbia, MD, Brevard, NC and more. They enjoyed family vacations, visits from her Chilean familia, and summers in Balsam Lake, WI with Dave’s parents.

Dave and Tammy divorced and she remarried Ed Latavitz in July of 1985. Tammy and Ed traveled the world, eventually settling in Port St. Lucie, Florida. While living in Florida Nona worked at Hibiscus Children’s Center and cared for at-risk children and families. This was her calling. She was loved by her co-workers and the children would later visit her and express the difference she made in their lives.

Despite living apart from her Chilean family and boys for many years Tammy maintained family connections across the continents. She loved visiting Chile with her kids and grandkids and had the trip of a lifetime to Malaysia to visit her son, David. She kept family history alive with stories, recipes, and many many pictures lovingly displayed in her homes and an extensive collection of photo albums. She never missed a birthday or holiday, always sending cards or gifts laced with the scent of Chloe perfume or sharing her best wishes by email or phone.

Tammy & Ed eventually moved to Maryland to be closer to her kids and grandkids. For many years at Christmas time, a week-long trip to Deep Creek Lake was enjoyed by the entire Anderson family making memories that will last a lifetime.

Tammy loved to knit and crochet scarves and hats for her kids and grandkids. She was known for her cooking. Her most loved recipes were her chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies and her famous fudge. She used avocados in everything before they were mainstream and made the best big salad and shrimp salad. There could be nothing in the fridge and she could come up with a great meal.

Tammy could be eccentric and had a strong personality. She spoke what was on her mind and had many sayings that are part of our daily family vocabulary including “Aye Senor”, “Life’s Too Short To Get Up Early” and “Getting Old Is A Bitch”.

It’s hard to imagine a world without the jingling of Nona’s beloved jewelry and physical presence. But we know her strong will, love of family, and good looks live on in next generations. Rest easy Nona.