Tammy Lynn Starling

Tammy Lynn Starling, of Bryan, Texas, passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of 65. Known to everyone simply as Tammy, she lived a life marked by laughter, warmth, and an unwavering care for the people around her.

Tammy was born on December 5, 1960, in Austin, Texas. From an early age, she carried a quick wit and an even quicker smile, the kind that could lighten any room and put a worried stranger at ease. She was a proud graduate of Travis High School, class of 1979. Her passion for caring for others led her to the University of Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1984. As a registered nurse, Tammy dedicated more than 30 years of her life to serving communities across south and central Texas. Her unwavering commitment to her patients made her a cherished caregiver and colleague.

Tammy's interests were as vibrant as her personality. A lifelong love of fishing, playing cards, and travel, passions passed down from her grandparents, filled her life with joy and adventure. In her youth, she was an accomplished tennis player and later became a skilled poker player, delighting in the camaraderie and challenge the game offered. Her devotion to the Texas Longhorns was legendary, as she cheered on her favorite teams with an enthusiasm that was infectious.

Tammy never met a cat she didn’t love, and she adopted many during her life. She was also a voracious reader, across all genres, and friends will recall she was rarely seen without a book in hand or nearby. Her “happy place” usually consisted of curling up with a cat or two and a good book.

Above all, Tammy was funny and kind in equal measure. She could make you laugh until your sides ached, and in the next moment, offer the exact words of comfort you needed. Those two gifts, humor and compassion, defined her and will be deeply missed.

Tammy is survived by her partner, Donna Hilbig, and her brothers, Tim Starling and Dan Starling, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will eternally cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lynelle Starling, her sister, Alisa Starling, and her grandparents Wallace and Lillian Leser and Roy and Lottie Starling. Those who loved her will miss her laughter and her kindness more than words can say.

A woman of quiet faith, Tammy trusted in God's goodness and carried that gentle hope with her through life. Her family finds comfort in the belief that she has been welcomed home and reunited with those who went before her.

A memorial service celebrating Tammy's life will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at noon at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend and to share in the stories and laughter that Tammy so loved.

In honoring Tammy's life, the family kindly requests that any memorial contributions be made to the Austin Humane Society (austinhumanesociety.org), the Texas Nurses Foundation (www.texasnurses.org/mpage/TNF), or your local animal shelter. The work of these organizations reflects Tammy’s generous spirit and her lifelong commitment to making the world a better place.

Tammy will be remembered not only for what she did but for how she made people feel: seen, cared for, and often laughing. May she rest in peace.