Tamara Joan Harkins

Tamara Harkins had always been a fighter. For over three years, she battled stage four metastatic breast cancer. She defied every prognosis, and on September 23rd, she made peace with her battle and passed away at home.

Tamara was born on March 3rd, 1970, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From the start, she had a personality overflowing with optimism. She brought that can-do attitude to every part of her life and kept it until the end. Those who knew her during her battle always remarked how courageous and positive she was despite her circumstances. She inspired many to face challenges with hope and love.

Tamara grew up in the Sheraden neighborhood and attended Holy Innocents and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School. She was a member of the High School’s basketball team and was known by her peers to be outgoing. Later, she attended Slippery Rock University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Education. In her early twenties, she moved to Florida and began her career in teaching by starting as a special education teacher.

During her life, Tamara taught many students at Largo and Seminole High School. For 28 years, she dedicated herself fully to raising the future’s youth. She always referred to her students as her “kids” as they all held a place in her heart.

At Largo High School, she fought her first battle of breast cancer. Her students and colleagues supported her with food and care. Through her sickness, she forged lifelong bonds. With their help, she overcame her sickness and was declared cancer-free. She kept in touch with the Largo Legends through her final weeks.

During Tamara’s second battle with cancer, she was teaching at Seminole High School. She was known by her students as being the person to go to when you needed someone to lean on. Her kindness provided a safe space for all who knew her. She founded the Random Acts of Kindness club. Her legacy will be remembered by her kids.

Tamara was predeceased by her two parents, William Harkins and Nancy Leiner. She is survived by her two children, Icarus and Abigail Evansen, as well as her two brothers, Bill and Todd Harkins.

Tamara had a passion for art and spent her free time creating. She had a particular interest in embroidery but often branched out into sewing, quilting, wreath making, and painting. Some of her art will be displayed at her viewing for guests to see.

Her funeral will be held at Garden Sanctuary, across from Seminole High School, for two days. Her viewing will be on October 3rd from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, so students and teachers may come and visit after school. October 4th will be a shorter viewing starting at 11:00 am followed by a ceremony and procession to her grave site at Serenity Gardens in Largo. If you feel compelled to send flowers, please ensure they are pet safe, as they will be in a home with her dog and cat.