She is survived by her loving husband, Joel Meyerson, her sons Jared and Dean, her daughter Amber, mother Sylvia Urlich, six brothers and sisters – Jeffery, Susan, Jonathan, Gregory, Kevin and Candace – loving in-laws, 27 nephews and nieces, and a host of life-long friends. She was predeceased by her father, Dr. M.S. Fox.
Tammy was happiest among her family and was immensely proud of her children: Jared, a freshman at the University of Miami, is a hard worker and excels in sports; Dean, a recent high school graduate headed to the University of Miami in the fall, is an accomplished artist and aspiring actor; and Amber, a student at Gulliver Prep, is an honor roll student and talented dancer. Tammy loved and mentored Jimmy Graham as a son. They were all always the number one priority in her life.
Born and raised in Miami, Tammy loved her city and South Florida. She grew up in a loving house and was proud of her brothers and sisters, all of whom became physicians. True to her independent spirit, she chose another path, the life of a businesswoman. And in her case, it was a very successful path.
After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami, she rose rapidly in the business world. At the time of her passing, she served as President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Preferred Medical Plan. Beyond her day-to-day duties providing health coverage to individuals and families across her beloved South Florida, she made time to give back. Her numerous and varied community roles included serving as a member of the Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board and as a member of the Advisory Board for the Florida International University’s College of Medicine.
Tammy was tireless in her efforts to help improve health care policy at the local, state and federal levels. She was a trusted advisor and confidante to many elected officials who valued her insights and opinions, and she was widely credited with a number of health care innovations. The South Florida Business Journal named Tammy a “Power Leader in Health Care: Key Players in a Rapidly Changing Industry” in both 2011 and 2012. She held several leadership roles at the Florida Association of Health Plans, including as its Chairperson, and the organization honored her with its Lifetime Contribution award in 2008.
Tammy was extremely generous and was always available to help others succeed in their careers. When asked, she offered her best advice. Most followed her guidance – and those who did not often told her later they wished they had. Her personal style was such that all who interacted with her came away respecting and loving her. She is consistently and constantly described by her friends and family as being their “rock.”
Devoted to her faith, Tammy especially loved teaching others about Jewish traditions and customs. Her love of travel found her visiting her favorite places regularly. Tammy hiked in Colorado, shopped in New York and relaxed in the Bahamas and Las Vegas. She also loved red wine, sushi and University of Miami athletics. She was also known for her incredible sense of style.
Above all else, Tammy was the best mother to her children, wife to her husband and a devoted friend to those who were fortunate enough to have been in her life. Her wisdom, tenderness and loyalty will be missed tremendously by her family, friends and everyone touched by her warmth.
The family is eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support. Services will be held Tuesday, May 26, at 1 p.m. at Lakeside Memorial Park, 10301 NW 25th Street, Miami, FL 33172. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.
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