It is with heavy hearts and deep love that the Bertrand family announces the passing of Tammy Waits Bertrand, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and dear friend. Tammy passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Calcutta House in Lafayette. She was 67 years old.
Tammy was born on June 1, 1958, in New Iberia to the late Earl Waits and the late Mazie Delahoussaye Waits and was the second of four daughters.
Tammy worked in various professions throughout her life, but most will remember her for the many years she cared for families in need through her gift as a florist. Through Tammy’s Flowers and Gifts, she assisted countless families with floral arrangements for funerals, weddings, school functions, and many other special occasions. Tammy often gave more than what was expected to ensure her customers were pleased with her designs. While it was her livelihood, she never saw it as just a business—she looked upon her customers as family and treated them as such.
Outside of her work, Tammy found her greatest comfort at home, surrounded by family and friends. Her table was a welcoming gathering place where she lovingly prepared meals for those she cherished. It was said that Tammy made the best rice dressing and shrimp scampi ever, and if you were invited to her table, you were sure to leave well fed and full of love.
Tammy also found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She spent peaceful moments sorting her crystals, which brought her comfort and calm, and searching for rocks to paint and place around the community to brighten someone’s day. Her family shares fond laughter remembering Tammy secretly placing her painted creations and delighting in discovering rocks left behind by others. These small acts of kindness brought her great happiness.
Above all, Tammy’s greatest joy was the time she spent with her family. She reveled in her role as a homemaker and devoted wife to Michael, loving mother to her beloved son Robert, and proud “Granny” to her precious grandchildren and was eagerly awaiting the birth of her first great grandchild expected soon. She was a caring sister and shared a special lifelong bond with her sisters, who lovingly called her “Sister Peeps”, a loving aunt, and a steadfast protector of those she loved. Tammy was known for her kindness, her selflessness, and her unwavering devotion to her family. She was the epitome of the word mother, and her heart was filled with love for all.
Our dear Tammy, may your soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Michael Bertrand; her son, Robert E. Guerra and wife Brianna; her precious grandchildren, Skyler, Ramiyah, Mariyah, Robert, Jr., Breonna, Raynah, Cruz, Kayden, Cash, Robyn, Robbie, Ryker, Royal, Raelon, Aubrie'l, and Prynce; her first great grandchild expected soon; her sisters, Margaret Waits and Earlene Cheek and husband Charles; and her nieces and nephews, Charli Soileau, Pamela Redden, Boyer Derise, and Brett Ulbig.
Tammy is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Mazie Waits; and her sister, Gale Ulbig Loesch.
Funeral services celebrating Tammy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Deacon Patrick Burke will officiate. Readers for the service will be Charli Soileau and Brianna Guerra. Following the service, Tammy will be laid to rest in the church mausoleum.
Visiting hours will be held Saturday at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m., with the Rosary being recited at 10:00 a.m.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Robert E. Guerra, Boyer Derise, Ryan Soileau, Cody Nance, Louis Derise, and Hunter Delahoussaye.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Hospice of Acadiana Calcutta House for the care and compassion shown to Tammy. You are all greatly appreciated.
In keeping with Tammy’s generous and kind heart, please consider a memorial donation in her name to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Tammy’s memorial at www.evangelinedelcambre.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
