Tamara Dorman Sanford

November 23, 1969 – April 26, 2017

A bright star's light was extinguished far too soon when we lost Tammi unexpectedly on April 26th.

Tammi was proud of her Canadian and Maritime roots and as a result of growing up in such a beautiful part of Nova Scotia, from a very early age she learned to appreciate the beauty in her surroundings. Most importantly, she learned to appreciate the people with which she shared those moments.

Born in Toronto, Ontario to proud parents Doreen & Elwood Dorman, she was a bundle of brown curls and smiles. Adventurous experiences (from waterskiing as a toddler on Dad's shoulders to later skydiving with her brother, Shawn) cultivated a lifelong passion for seeing new things and living life to the fullest.

She was the oldest of four children and her brothers and sister cherished her caring nature and her willingness to spend as much time as possible with the family she loved. She was a fun, devoted, and adored Aunt. She wasn't just a sister, she was a role model, mentor, best friend, trusted confidant, and protector to Shawn, Nicole, and Nicholas. She had fire in her; a flame that never goes out.

She graduated from Central Kings Rural High School where she was part of the CK Radiator Crew, a lifelong group of friends she cherished. She was a competitive swimmer, lifeguard and swim instructor. As a result of her compassion and her desire to nurture others, she entered the nursing profession, graduating as an RN from St. Martha's School of Nursing in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. She was recruited to a nursing position in Wichita Falls, Texas where she met and later married Brian Sanford in 1995.

Over their next few years, their adventures, laughter and love continued as they moved from North Carolina to multiple cities in Texas and so began her greatest adventure; bringing three incredible children into the world; Miranda, 19, Zachary, 17 and Chase, 12. Tammi loved her children more than anything, and her capacity to nurture and love made them who they are. She instilled within them values they will carry for the rest of their lives.

Tammi spent time volunteering with her children at schools and in the community. She loved traveling the country and the world. She planned the most fitting celebrations for family and friends, capturing the significance of every holiday, milestone, and moment. Her efforts were detailed and left us with many treasured reminders of who she was and how much she cared. She loved celebrations and the company of others. She believed in the truth and felt strongly about standing up for those beliefs. Her lifelong passions for nurturing others and helping anytime she could endeared her to all who knew her. She will be missed by all and will live forever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, an Education Trust has been established in support of Tammi's wishes that her beloved children pursue their dreams. Contributions may be made here: In lieu of flowers, an Education Trust has been established in support of Tammi's wishes that her beloved children pursue their dreams.

Contributions may be made here: www.gofundme.com/SanfordChildrenEducation-Fund

Additionally, donations may be made in memory of Tammi Sanford to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation at http://bbrfoundation.org