Thursday, April 28, 2016
Tami,
It's been a long time since I've seen and talked to you. I had been trying to find you for so long. Last time I saw you, we were hanging  out at at your grandpa's house in Casselberry where you were staying when you were earning your Masters at UCF. We grew up in the same neighborhood together and when I was a freshman, you were a senior at Lyman. I remember your dad's dune buggy, the tree house in your front yard, the Top Gun poster and your Sweet Valley High cheerleader novels! My heart is so very saddened to know you're gone. I still have the letters you sent me from FSU when you went there. You were the sweetest woman I ever knew. That smile of yours could bright up the depths of a coal mine. You made the world a better place to live in and you inspired people to better themselves. You were an amazing human being and a beautiful woman. I just can't believe you're gone. I love you, Tami.

Hi Baby
I know your Dad is with you now.  You two have many happy memories to talk about till I'm with you again. I miss you both so much. Cindy, Cheryl and I are going up to FSU to see your brick at the Westcott fountain on Dad's birthday. You will always be our little FSU Angel. Love you Mama

Tam, I just found this today ... So unaware and unprepared am I to learn of your passing.  I, now, look to the day, when I have the joy of sharing an endless moment with you, catching up on all the wonderful things you have experienced throughout the years. Much love and admiration my dear. Your smile never to be forgotten. Your friend, Dave

Tami, i just learned if your passing on facebook and was filled with sadness. I will always remember you as the sweet cheerleader who always smiled. I remember your mom too and my heart aches for your entire family. You Tonight, i honor your sweet spirit and pray for your family's  peaceful heart. Much LOVE , Tami.

It just doesn't seem possible that it will be 2 years tomorrow since you left us. You'll be in my heart until we see each other again!

Tami, my sweet childhood buddy.  Your bright smile will forever warm my heart. My condolences to all of your family, especially your dear mother and father, who were always so kind to all of your friends.  Such beautiful precious memories.  
You were an angel with us, now you are an angel with wings.  God Bless you.

My heart breaks today as I hear the news of Tami's passing.  Our friendship was magical and instant.  In the short time we knew each other, Tami inspired me, made me laugh and we gave each other the gift of our love of music.  If she told me to watch something, I did.  If she told me to read something, I did.  She will forever be etched in any Joni Mitchell song I hear, or on Christmas Eve when I listen to “Sisters.”  I used to LOVE all of her recommendations, except for the time she declared “Almost Famous” the greatest story ever told.  I think that was the only thing we didn't agree on.

Follow the River, Tami.  Thank you for being my dear friend.  Don't it always seem to go, you don't know what you got til it's gone….

Tami, you will never be forgotten. After I moved away, I never got to see you grow up into the woman you became, but I heard so many wonderful and great things about you from Dale. I was so proud of you and your many accomplishments! Then, when you found me on Facebook, it was great chatting with you about music. You always said such sweet things to me. And then, when I heard your voice on the phone, it was wonderful to get back in touch. I am so very sorry for the pain you endured lately. I understand, I really do. It's okay. God understands our pain. I try not to dwell on your family losing you, because it hurts me so much, too. But there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. As the little girl I knew, and as the woman you became. I hope your spirit is happy. We all love you.

Hey Baby  
   I've been waiting to write till I could get my thoughts together. It has been such a privilege having you for my daughter for this 43 years. You were the most feeling,caring,tender girl that any mother could have. The weekend you and John drove all the way down to Florida to give me your precious dog Emmy Lou because you knew I was hurting so much over the loss of our Sammy.  The countless friends you have helped with their problems.  I could go on and on about the thoughtful things you have done in your short life and i have no doubt that you are a guardian angel and I hope you're mine but when I see you again what a wonderful day that will be.  I LOVE YOU MORE. MAMA

Hey Sis ~

You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead, 

Two of us wearing raincoats 
Standing so low 
In the sun 
You and me chasing paper 
Getting nowhere 
On our way back home 
We're on our way home 
We're on our way home 
We're going home 

Two of us fishing off the dock, cheerleading tryouts, skiing on the lake, homemade halloween costumes, eating, breathing and living music, your beautiful smile and old soul.

My heart is broken but just knowing you made it home and that I will join you in time eases the pain.....I love you Tam - 

Better Believe It..."G" is your friend...

Hey Lil' Sis, I still can't believe you left us soooo soon. I try everyday to remind myself that you are up there laughing with me at some stupid thing I do,that you are singing with me and I am sure you are serenading God with your sweet guitar playing!!! I always wished you knew how TALENTED you were...most of us would have paid dearly just to have half your talent! I am so glad that you found such a wonderful guy in John....such a sole mate, to have someone to share your good friends and good times and good music....we will try our best to remind him how special he is to us. You touched so many people with your beautiful spirit...I have to find a way to stop the tears and replace them with happy memories...to feel the music and feel the love that fills me when I think of you.........xxxooo I Love You Sis!!!

Sweet, sweet Tami - even though it's been almost twenty years since our wonderful summer on Lake Winnepesaukee I can still see your smile, recall the twinkle in your eyes, and remember your laugh.  I'll cherish the fact that I was fortunate enough to know you and I'll carry with me those terrific memories of your kindness and your generous spirit.




Brit Whittle






Janet, you don't know me but Tami was very old, dear friend of mine. I am so sorry for you and your family's loss and feel nothing but love and gratitude that I got to know her. She was a great friend to me. We met through Steph McVicker and used to hang out and play guitars together. She introduced me to John Prine, had a beautiful smokey voice. I loved her Stevie Nicks renditions. She was so encouraging to me and my talents, and I in turn was touched and inspired by hers. Now as I look back, I can see how much her encouragement buoyed me in rough patches on my journey. She even loaned me her guitar when I lived out a dream of hitting up the Red Light Cafe and Eddie's Attic for an open mic night. It was very generous of her and very much the Tami I will always remember. She went on to get me much needed temp work while she was working at Coca Cola as well. As an actor living in Atlanta, temp work was a life line and she came through for me so many times. 

I left Atlanta back in the summer of 2003 to get my MFA at FSU. I am now in New York City, working as an actor and I truly regret that I didn't reconnect with her after I left.

Please know that you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. Her love and inspiration live on in my journey as an actor/writer and every time I pick up my guitar. Take care.

Brit

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John and family,

I had the opportunity to work with Tammi during my years with CCi and she was amazing!  May she rejoice now in heaven with our Lord.

May God wrap his arms around you as you cope with your loss.

June Unrein, Colorado Springs

Janet and Ernie my heart goes out to you and I love you both. Ellie called yesterday and told me. I remember the wonderful times I shared with all of you and your talented daughters. love you sheron

Little did I realize in 2006 that I when I accepted a job from Tami that she would become one of my best friends.  I have so many wonderful memories with her to cherish and I will treasure all of the friendships that I have gained simply from being her friend. I look forward to when we meet again buddy..love you forever.

Ernie and Janet----- I only knew Tami when she was a young girl playing with my niece, Tracie.  She was such a sweetheart...and from what I've heard, still is.  My sympathy to you and your family and extended family.

To the beautiful little girl who grew up always calling me "Aunt Brenda", I love you.  To the beautiful woman that little girl grew into, I love you.  To the Spirit you are, the love you always gave me, the kindness you always gave everyone, thank you.  
I always saw your wisdom and I see it working still.  To incredible you--I will always love you.
Aunt Brenda

Tami, you will be missed by so many people.  You were one of the kindest and most positive people I have known.  You will make an outstanding guardian angel, my friend.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Tami has left a beautiful and wonderful imprint on my soul.  I know her love will always be with me and every one of us.  I know she will keep watch from beyond.  And when we meet again, it will be such a sweet, sweet day.  Until then, I will miss my Tam desperately, with all my heart.  Until then, I will hold tight to the good vibes and the beautiful spirit of Tami.  May peace be yours, my friend.

What a sweet spirit that would light up a room. We are honored to have know you Tammy. You will be missed but your spirit will always shine bright. Our prayers are with all the Believue and Olinger Family.

I wish we had more time to shine in your light, Tami.  Thank you for being there for me and helping to see me through some of my darker days; I will never forget your unconditional support.  

I am ashamed that it has been almost two years since I last saw you and John...but, at least we got to send you off proper -- nothing says love like a "Sound of Music" serenade.  

'Til next time, Tami.  Love you long time.

I MISS YOU MORE AND MORE EACH DAY!  I LOVE YA!

Tami, My heart aches for all you left behind, especially my brother. Thank you being such a light in the world and thank you for caring for my brother so much. I will always remember our laughter at my Wutang story... you will be greatly missed. xoxo -

So sorry you left so soon. I feel like we were on the front end of something pretty cool and had alot of good times ahead of us. I see all the people that love you and that are in pain now and I know that you are the loving soul and that special kinda light that you dont see everyday. My prayers are with your family and friends to somehow find peace in the time they were honored to have with you. I hope your wings take you high, sweet girl. RIP <3

Tami, I am so glad I got to meet you and John.  I have missed you two since I left Atlanta and always look forward to the next get together...and will continue to until next we meet.  Know that you always have my love, you will be remembered always, and I am very grateful to have had you in my life.  Love you Tami!

Tami worked for me at Peaches Music in Altamonte Springs Florida in the mid 90's and Boy, did she just love working there! She would always say to me, even recently, that it was her most favorite job ever! Seems kind of fitting, she so loved music, whether it was playing her guitar, listening to a recording, attending a live performance, or turning on a customer or a friend to some song or artist, yes...working in a record store was right up her alley! We all loved her spirit and passion at the store, we loved her laugh and especially that giggle. Tami and myself especially hit it off as friends and kindred spirits in musical appreciation. I enjoyed jamming on guitar with her. Attending shows where I would get us backstage passes was a treat, just to see her light up when she would meet the performer! Later after she moved to Atlanta, she and John would share their home with me so we could see some shows there in the big city. Of course on any trip to Atlanta, I would have to bring some guitars up there as jamming on the instruments was a priority for Tami! I was so honored for her to ask me to play guitar for her wedding....of course, how could you refuse Tami? I loved meeting her friends that she made in Atlanta, Tami seemed to be a light for attracting the grooviest of people. I told her that her friends were so cool that I should just move up to Atlanta so I could be in her circle and she said "Would you? That would be so awesome"!!! She was serious about that and that's just one of so many ways that Tami could make you feel so special. I will always count her as one of my all time favorite people and best friends. My condolences to John and her wonderful parents and family. I will always consider it one of God's greatist blessings to have ever been bestowed upon me...to have had Tami as a friend!

 Tammy was my best friend and I will miss her everyday. She was a beautiful person inside and out and she made everyone smile when she was around. My life is better for knowing her. "I love you "buddy" and you will be dearly missed."

I knew you best from the time you were born to college. The birthday parties for you and Christy in August at the lake and your wonderful, happy years at Lyman.  I love you and your mom and dad with all my heart. All will be in my heart forever.  Much, much love. Patsy

John, you are in our thoughts and prayers constantly.  I'll miss you always, sweet girl.  Thank you, Tami, for bringing all that extra love & light into my life.  You've got a special spot in my heart.

Tami you were by far one of the most special souls I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  From day one we knew we had a cosmic connection.  We both had the remarkable ability to make each other smile and laugh without even trying.  We have shared so many great memories and experiences together.  I cherished your friendship and held your love close and dear to my heart.  So many things now are never going to be the same without sharing them with you.  I will do my best to remember all the good times and keep your spirit alive throughout the rest of life's adventures.  The world is sure going to miss you Tami and so will I.

Thank you Tami for the laughter, smiles, and hugs.  You have touched my life, and I am better for having known you.  May we all dance together again some day. Love.

Tami you are such a beautiful soul. Your laugh inspired so many of us. My heart hurts because I will miss you. Many good memories of you saying OLE OLE!!!! Just like we did last week on the phone....may you spread your wings and fly. The world will not be the same without you. My deepest sympathy go out to John and your entire family and all of our friends. You made everyone always come together and shine. May you rest in peace and the light always shine upon you. All my love....

Tami,

You have touched so many lives and brought such joy into the world. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life. Sending love and hugs to all your family and friends.

John -  I only knew Tamara from your words over the phone, as we would gather for HP work related meeetings. Those words reflected your love for Tamara-may your heart be hold your beloved memories.  May you find comfort in your love of music and reach out to your friends from near and far.  May Peace and Grace embrace you during this time.

Our hearts are so heavy about Tami's passing.  We have so many fun memories of her up at the river...riding her motorcycle, catching fish, shooting off bottle rockets, etc., etc.  Please know that you & your family are in our prayers.

I'm so thankful that you were in my life Tami. Rest in peace.

With the deepest,heartfelt sympathy to your family.

Rest in sweet peace Tami, you will be missed dearly but never ever forgotten. I will never forget that beautiful smile of your. Always so very happy. I love you sweet cousin of mine!

Tam tam. You were the epitome of the perfect friend. You loved everyone individually and made your friends feel so special. You were your friends biggest fans and never wavered on rallying around them, especially when you knew they needed the support. You were always quick to resolve a dispute or injustice. Tam you were the light and the glue that held our friends and panic family together. I can honestly say you were the center of it all. Laughter, hugs, and the brightest smile always greeted us.   You took the time to talk to everyone. Our time with you always felt magical and you were so infectious... no one ever wanted to leave your company. 
You were my light,  my soul sister and sometimes my saving grace. Tami, you were always quick with a cheer or a witty comment. One of our recent and last conversations you told me "you had to go make a bacon sandwich for your man because he was bringing home the bacon".  We laughed and you said Ole followed by Ba Bam. 

Ole my friend! What a gift and a blessing you have been on my life and everyone you befriended. I will never forget you. Please know it will never be the same. I love you always. GET RHYTHM!!! 

Sent from my iPhone

Never thought the last time I saw you would be the last time.

You will be missed and always remembered

Tami, we sure will miss you down here. I know you will be with all of us in sprit. Till we see each other again my friend. Love ya

My beautiful baby girl is with the angels. I'm sure she's jamming with Jerry Garcia. We love you sweet Tami. You are my heart. Mama

I love you buddy and will have an empty space in my heart until the day we meet again.

Thank you, Tami, for the love and light you brought into this world. The heavens will shine brighter because of you. To Tami's family - you are, and will remain, in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing her with us. God Bless.

I miss you without even having met you, safe journeys in the next part of the trip.  You are missed.

I love you Tami & I'm going to miss you every minute until the day we see each other again my little friend.

I really wish you could see the outpouring of love and affection that you are being shown. I only hope you know that you were special to us and we will miss you terribly. We had so many more memories to make. Love - Michelle and Steve

Such an awful loss at such a young age when you are loved by so many!!  Both Kelly and James plus Jeff and Natalie (as will all of the many many friends you share) will be missing you so much in all of the things you had planned for the future and I so feel their pain.  RIP dear, dear beautiful girl.  You will be sorely missed by so very many.  I know you will be watching over them now and please let them feel your presence and be able to rejoice always on your friendship and dwell on those happy memories rather than the pain of your passing. I truly wish the same for your wonderful husband and parents for surely it is the hardest of all on them.  Bless you!!!

I will always keep your sweet, bright smile in my heart- love you sister

Tami,Iam so glad that I got to meet you and share some great memories with you! you have touched so many hearts!! love you sister!!

I will always cherish our friendship and hold you close in my heart. Love you Tami!!!

OBITUARY

Tamara Ann Olinger

August 21, 1969 – December 8, 2012

Woodstock Funeral Home

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