It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Tamara on Sunday April 10th, 2022 in Victoria, BC.
Tamara was born in Coventry, England on September 28th, 1952, the first daughter of Leon and Mary Mitrofaniuk. She is predeceased by her father Leon and brother David and survived by her mother Mary, brothers Nick and Michael, sister Catherine, as well as her nephews, nieces and great nephews and nieces.
Tamara was educated in Coventry, England and worked for a number of businesses local to the area before working in Saudi Arabia for 6 years. Tamara made the move to Canada, originally settling in Calgary, kindly supported by family, until she got herself established independently. After 3 years Tamara moved to Victoria where she worked for Veterans Affairs for 16 years and where she made many great friends.
Tamara enjoyed returning to the UK and Ireland regularly to visit family and friends. She loved Irish music and dancing, ballroom dancing and gardening.
Tamara will be greatly missed by her family, her many friends and family in Canada, England, Ireland and Ukraine.
Special thanks to the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Palliative Care ward for their care and kindness.
Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria, B.C., on Friday April 22nd at 2:00 pm with reception to follow. At Tamara’s request please wear a splash of colour to celebrate her life. A Memorial Mass will be held in Coventry, England at a date to be arranged.
Tributes in lieu of flowers, if desired, may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Gerry Armstrong
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Shirley Clarke My sincere thoughts and condolences go out to all of Tamara’s family.
I had the pleasure of meeting Tamara in Aramco. We were both enrolled in a scuba diving course and she was so supportive and amusing as we were both quite terrified of the challenge!
I agree with the many positive comments from the many people who knew and loved her. She was indeed a very special, intelligent and vibrant lady.
God bless you Tamara and may you rest in peace.
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Diane Payne I was very sorry to hear of Tamara’s passing. We met in Dhahran Saudi Arabia in about 1981 I think. She was always a lot of fun and we had some good laughs together. She left before I did and soon emigrated to Canada. It’s mostly because of Tamara that I came to live here too and soon got a job in Abbotsford. I had my first ski experience with Tamara at Lake Louise and, encouraged by her, I did my first bungy jump in Nanaimo. Tamara was there to take the photo. RIP my friend. I will miss you.
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Anne Marie Doogan Sincere sympathy to Mary, Catherine, Nick and Michael and all the extended family on the death of Tamara. My two sisters, Margaret and Lucy and my mother Mary were recalling our memories of Tamara earlier today. One of my first memories was when Mary brought Tamara and Catherine to visit Carrick, Co. Donegal. I was a young nine year old girl and was awestruck as Tamara and her sister Catherine put on their makeup. Another time I was in awe of her was while she drove on the motorways in England when I visited her on one of her journeys home from Canada. I loved hearing her travel stories. She was so hospitable and friendly and interested in you. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hAnam. (May her soul be at Gods right hand) Anne Marie
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Margaret Doogan So sorry to hear about the death of Tamara. May she Rest in Peace. Thinking of you all at this sad time. She was such a gracious host when my sister Annemarie and I visited Canada for the first time. Margaret Doogan Co. Donegal Ireland
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Laura, Ben, Henry and Phoebe Tamara, what can we say! We are so sorry that we didn’t get to see you over this last 2 years and even more sorry that you didn’t get to meet Phoebe. We remember how delighted you were to meet Henry and know in your heart how happy you were when we told you that we’d had a girl called Phoebe Mary.
When we were younger you were our mysterious Aunty who lived in Canada but you became so much more! Thank you for organising us, looking out for us and being our Aunty!
We will really miss you!
Laura, Ben, Henry and Phoebe.
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The Spencers Aunty Tamara,
Where do I start?
She will be so sadly missed by us all, such a big character in our family.
We used to look forward to Aunty Tamara’s visits as children, hearing her tales of her travels and we would always get together to share our news.
As adults, not much changed really, we always got together when Aunty T was around. She would make us laugh with her many tales and always had advice ready for us (whether we asked for it or not, but that was Tamara, always trying to make sure she looked after us, even into our 30s!)
She was kind and generous to us all, my children (aged 4&5), her great nephew and great neice still talk about the day Aunty Tamara took them to the motor museum and the gifts she bought them.
My husband would love having a chat with her about Canada and Canadian culture over a cup of Tim Hortons, something they truly bonded over.
I will miss her dearly with her travel stories, her advice and her amazing knowledge of our family history.
Sleep well Aunty T,
All our love,
You neice Rachael, Matt, Jonathan and Emma. Xx
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Louise & Adam Aunty Tamara, a big character in our family. I always remember listening to your stories of travel and the adventures you had. Sleep peacefully xxxx
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Gail Smith It shows much about Tamara’s character that she made so many close friends. She was honest and tried to do her best for everyone; friends, family and clients. Tamara was an encyclopedia of knowledge at VAC and would assist anyone who asked. She took pride in a job well done. I too will remember her smile and her sparkling eyes when I think of her. Gone too soon and missed by so many.
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Harold Daradics Thnak you Tamare for your coversations ; always valuved your opinion,always presented in a practical, professional form. WE all have lost a very special person. For the rest of us, we need to laugh and enjoy life more! Why rush our day will come soon enough. Respectfully Harold /Cathy Daradics.. Penticton
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Teresa Charlton With deepest sympathy to you and your family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time
God bless Tamara. RIP
Teresa, Dave and Paddy x
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Iris Durling I would like to express my sincere condolences to my friend’s family, Catherine, Nick, Michael, and her dear mum, as well as her extended family and multiple friends. Tamara was a hard worker and a solid friend. I miss her dearly and she will never be forgotten. We had many laughs, lots of walks, and words of encouragement and support for each other. Enjoy many dances dear friend, until we meet again.
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kathleen chambers With Sympathy to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
God-Bless Tamara. Rest in peace.
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Mark, Amy, Roman and Luca Tamara was an intelligent, strong, kind auntie and great aunt; a powerful soul and a leader at heart. We are very sad not to have seen her over the last 2 and a half years but our numerous video calls and her eloquent emails helped fill that void. Auntie Tamara’s tales of travel, work, family history and her knowledge of the world was fascinating.
Tamara was proud of her friends and family, proud of her past and her roots and rightly so proud of herself.
Auntie Tamara you will be greatly missed. You fought bravely with your usual spirit, now rest peacefully.
Always in our thoughts, your nephew Mark, Amy and your great nephews: Roman and Luca xx
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Koo From Koo,
My family and I would like to share condolences to Tamara’s family and her close friends. I know she cared and love them dearly.
Tamara and I started working at Veterans Affairs the same year. We had a lot in common being from the same town, growing up in the same area around the same time. What were the odds of that; we were both so far away from home and had so much to talk about. I loved stopping at her desk to talk about the old country. She was very interesting, intelligent, witty, hardworking and always made time for others. I enjoyed getting together outside of work, we had some good laughs. What I will remember most is her kindness, humour and smile. I am glad our paths crossed. Tamara, you have a dear place in my heart, thank you for your friendship you will be really missed.
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Jane Blake To Tamara’s family I am so truly sorry for your loss – those of us who knew her loved her so very much. Tamara was sharp as a tack, funny and fun loving, serious and insightful- we were ever more able to solve the worlds problems or laugh about the ironies of life over a glass of wine. So incredibly generous Tamara let me stay in her suite when my marriage fell apart – simply telling me to pay it forward. In your honour I have and will continue to look for opportunities, dear friend.
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Judy Martin Tamara and I worked together at Veterans Affairs Canada for many years. As a fellow Brit we bonded over many things especially the need for the water to come to a full rolling boil to make a good cup of tea! Tamara was smart and diligent and wrote detailed client notes which left no stone unturned and demonstrated her true care, compassion and respect for all of the Veterans with whom she worked. She was forthright and direct always asking those difficult questions which ultimately assisted and supported the work of the entire Veteran services team. I loved her British sense of humour and hearing about her trips home to see her dear family and friends. As they say, Tamara was clearly ‘one of the good ones’ with a huge heart and a winning smile. I feel so privileged and grateful to have known her. My heartfelt condolences to her family and closest friends. Rest In Peace, my friend, and keep that kettle boiling❤️
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Judy Tamara was a person with an amazing personality; a winning smile; and a very ‘catching’ laugh. She shared her love of family with her friends, and also shared her ‘very level thinking’!! Thank you, Tamara, for letting me be one of your friends.
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Carol Sidney My heart goes out to Tamara’s family at this sad time. Thoughts and condolences to you all.
Tamara fought her illness with such bravery and positivity throughout.
I shall cherish the precious memories of our friendship which grew from being neighbours while living in Dhahran. We had some great fun times.
Tamara was an intelligent, kind, and generous person with such a lovely smile, and will be hugely missed.An angel too soon
Rest in peace Tamara
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Veronica Farrow My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Tamara. A good friend who will be dearly missed. We met in Saudi. I have many fond memories to treasure. Rest in Peace Tamara.
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Tanya Foran Thinking of Tamara brings a smile to my face. I remember having such belly laughs with Tamara over things such as cultural differences. She gave so much to others. Tamara had such a zest for life. I am so blessed to have known her. I would like to offer my condolences to Tamara’s family and friends. When she spoke of her family her smile would widen and her eyes would crinkle. I like to imagine Tamara embracing her father and brother and watching over all of us.
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Wendy Bean and family Rest peacefully my dear Tamara. You fought so courageously. I am grateful for so many wonderful memories to keep close in my heart. Our family will never forget you.
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Peter Molloy Sincere condolences to Mary, Nick, Michael, Catherine and the extended family on the sad passing of Tamara.
May she Rest in Peace.
From Peter, Úna, Peadar and Dearbhla Molloy, Kilcar, Co. Donegal, Ireland.
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Mary O Callaghan Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us every day
Unseen, unheard, but always near
Still loved, still missed, and very dear.
I received these comforting words many years ago when I lost my mum.
I met Tamara many years ago when we worked in Saudi Arabia. It’s a wonderful story how we met….. I have many fond memories. I visited Canada twice and Coventry more recently she was the most generous person I have ever known. And she was beautiful inside and out. She had a deep faith and I have no doubt she is now in a wonderful place. Tamara you will always be close in my heart and thoughts until I take my last breath.
I extend my condolences to her mum, Catherine. Nick, and Michael and to all her in-laws, nieces and nephews May she rest in peace.
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Rita Cunningham Sincere sympathy on the passing of Tamara. I will miss our long chats and emails and always looked forward to her visits to Donegal. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
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Linda Foster My dearest and oldest friend Tam, we were like sisters, friends from 8 years old, even though we lived on the other side of the world we were still close. I have wonderful memories in my heart of our friendship that will never fade, of your Mum Dad and siblings, and canley Coventry. l could go on forever pal. You will be truly missed, your battle is over. Rest In Peace in the arms of Our Lord and the Angels. You will always be in my heart and prayers dear friend. Deepest condolences to the family.
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Bev Greig I was surprised and sad to hear of Tamara’s passing. We worked together for several years at VAC. I could count on her. Tamara would patiently answer my many questions. Tamara had a wonderful smile and twinkle in her eye. My sincere condolences to her family.
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S. Voss Words cannot convey my sorrow at hearing of Tamara’s passing, and my deepest condolences to her loved ones. She was a bright spark at VAC, never fearing to speak her mind. Her sharp wit, wonderful sense of humour, and warmth will be fondly remembered. Tamara thank you for your wise words, kindness and compassion. Every time I water my flowers I shall think of you. Rest easy my friend. Blessings
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Janie Phiilpott To my good friend Tammy who will be sadly missed. The great conversations and laughs we have had now are lost but not forgotten. She will always be with me in spirit. Her life was cut short too soon. Rest in Peace my friend.
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Randip I’m so sorry to hear about Tamara’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with her, she was absolutely lovely. My condolences to her family.
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Vi Wong To know Tamara is to experience the true meaning of friendship, intellect with whimsy, generosity, kindness, caring, sharing and most importantly trust with respect for mutual privacy.
We will miss Tamara’s presence, her chats, phone calls and copiously composed emails to us but the love that her personality exuded with so much confidence will always be cherished by Hickman and Vi Wong.
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Nancy Smith I am so sorry to hear that Tamara passed away. Tamara and I worked together for many years and became friends. She was a wonderful smart lovely lady who I will miss dearly. My condolences to her family who I know Tamara loved dearly and often spoke about. I always enjoyed hearing about her trips home to visit family and she liked to hear my stories about my kids. Rest In Peace my friend.
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Ken and Joyce Sturmey Ken and Joyce would like to express our sympathy in the passing of Tamara; a true friend. Tamara’s passing has come too soon, as she was just starting to enjoy retirement. She will be sadly missed. With all our Love.
It was a great sadness to learn of Tamara’s death. She was a gift to the neighbourhood and a joy to her neighbours. I shall miss our front yard chats and do understand the magnitude of the loss that this must be for her family and close friends. Catching up with her after her frequent returns from England left me with a strong impression of her bonds with her family and her unflinching determination to expend any amount of effort that might make things better. I am so sorry for your loss.