Tamara “Tammy” Garner 63 of Bushwood passed away on Sunday October 19th at Chesapeake Hospice. Tammy was born April 27, 1962, she was the beloved daughter of Bert & Carole Dean. Tammy married her high school sweetheart Steve Garner whom she shares three children Stephen (Ashley), Samantha (Tony) and Mark, and her beloved grandson Dante, her other special guy.
Tammy was raised on her parent’s farm in Bushwood, the same farm where she raised her own family. She attended St Marys Academy and University of Maryland where she earned a Masters degree in Education. Tammy spent 20 years as a pre-K teacher at Greenview Knolls Elementary school where she guided many little children through their first year of school. Tammy was absolutely devoted to and delighted by her little students.
Tammy was devoted to her family, especially her parents, whom she had lovingly cared for in her own home as they aged. Tammy also has many friends who adore her, she was a beacon of light, she will always and forever be greatly missed and dearly loved. Tammy also really loved the traditions of Southern Maryland, she was particularly fond of preparing stuffed ham, something she often did with her friends around the holidays.
Tammy is survived by her husband Steve Garner, son Stephen (Ashley) , daughter Samantha (Tony) son Mark and her beloved grandson Dante. As well as her brothers Joey Dean (Angie) and Rickey Dean (Cindy) and their families.
Tammy’s favorite quote
“May you always work like you don’t need money;
May you always love like you’ve never been hurt;
and may you always dance like there’s nobody watching.”
Jack Canfield
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, MD. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Bushwood, MD.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.