Tamara "Tammy" Suzanne Fanale

Early Friday morning, April 23, 2021, our Lord called for Tamara “Tammy” Suzanne Fanale’s (63 of Springfield) long suffering and affliction to cease. She had earned her reward of everlasting life. Throughout the 20 plus years of suffering, not once did she voice any personal complaint. Rather it was always her concern of how her condition affected others. She was our family’s rock, our foundation. She will be missed, but her legacy will live on through her children.

Tammy was born on November 3, 1957, in Taylorville, the daughter of Paul and Athanasia “Rusty” (Jaros) Pinkewich. She married Tom Fanale on November 15, 1979, in Springfield.

Tammy graduated from PORTA High School in 1975. She was a nurse at St. John’s Hospital for 20 years and was a homemaker after her retirement. Tammy was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and volunteered at St. Agnes Catholic School for many years. She loved praying to baby Jesus. Tammy enjoyed gardening, cooking, antiquing, going to garage sales, decorating for the holidays, and spending time with her family. Tammy taught her family to focus on what they have and not what they do not have. She encouraged everyone to slow down and notice all the small details in everything. She was kind to every living thing and a caregiver at heart. Her smile and stories were quick to warm the heart and will continue to make us smile.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Tammy is survived by her husband, Tom of Springfield; children, Theresa (Alan) Meier, Mark (Stephanie) Fanale, and Sarah (Nick) Thomas, all of Springfield; grandchildren, Cecilia and Henry Fanale; and siblings, Rhonda Ray, Candy (Mike) Bobbitt, Tim Pinkewich, all of Decatur, Shawn Glazebrook of Springfield, Eric (Debbie) Pinkewich of Florida; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Marley.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Private family services were held.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Elementary School, 251 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702; the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.