TAMARA JEAN BOYCE (SMALE)

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TAMARA JEAN BOYCE (nee SMALE) May 10, 1960 April 11, 2018 With fierce determination, Tammy gave her final goodbyes with family by her side, after a courageous 17 month battle with cancer. Tammy passed away peacefully in a quiet moment with her daughter Krysten and husband Kelly by her side, at Victoria Hospital. Tammy was born 8th of 10 siblings in Rivers, Manitoba, to Phyllis and James Smale. Tammy spent her toddler days on the Rivers CFB, before starting school on the St. James CFB in Winnipeg. When Dad retired from the Army, the family moved to St. Andrews, where Tammy developed many lifelong friendships. Tammy was considered a "tomboy" growing up because of her athletic abilities, with basketball and baseball being her favourite. She enjoyed the outdoors exploring her rural surroundings with friends and siblings: building winter forts, skating and tobogganing by the nearby hill and pond, biking to Skinners, as well as participating in St. Andrews Community Club activities. Tammy attended St. Andrews School and Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive High School. Post secondary, a youthful Tammy worked as a step student (1978) in the Income Security Office in the service of the Government of Manitoba. From there she was promoted and recognized for her hard work. In 2011, Tammy was the emergency social services lead, and her hard work and respectful handling of the 2011 Lake Manitoba First Nation flooding was recognized by the community. She was invited to a ceremony where she was draped in a star blanket, one of the highest honours that can be bestowed by the First Nation community. During the period that Tammy worked on these special assignments, she maintained her regular duties as Regional Finance Officer. Tammy played a lead role in training, budget and building planning and did so without fanfare. Her knowledge of finance allowed her to bring her region in on budget when many others could not. It has been said that Tammy exemplified the service oriented values of the Interlake Region. Tammy concluded her accomplished career in the fall of 2017, after 39 years of service with the Province of Manitoba. She was extremely proud of not only her work in the community, but also that of her coworkers. She was a testament and champion of those who dedicate their lives to public service. Tammy married David Boyce in June of 1981. Tammy and David were ecstatic to welcome their daughter Krysten Dawn on a sunny Saturday, Easter weekend, April 14, 1984. Krysten was the sun in Tammy's life. Her activities, accomplishments, marriage and travels brought Tammy the greatest joy. She enjoyed countless happy times spent with Krysten in both her childhood and adult life, whether it was baking and decorating for Christmas or grocery shopping together. For Tammy, the best memories were the little things. Tammy was thrilled when Krysten married Jon. Tammy looked forward to hearing about Krysten and Jon's adventures while teaching in Thailand. While they travelled abroad, Tammy would keep in close touch, no matter what time it was. In Tammy's personal life she loved children, family, gardening, trips to the lake, sports, especially curling, and visiting with friends. Shopping for "the kids" was a favourite pastime. She had a lot of fun teaching the young people in her life how to make her various special recipes. Some of her fondest days were spent preparing feasts with her sisters for countless special occasions throughout her life. She was a lover of all animals, and cherished the memories of the pets she had over the years. Tammy was compassionate to every human being, always reaching out to help others. She was down to earth and socialized with people from all walks of life and ages, easily making friends wherever she went. She was as comfortable at a five star restaurant as she was at a backyard bonfire. She remembered and spoke highly of everyone she met and was always interested to hear about them, however fleeting the relationship. In June 2005, Tammy met Kelly Gorzen. Together they enjoyed a full life, building lasting memories together with Kelly's children, Kyle and Madison. Tammy was in her glory planning family camping trips, cheering on the kids at their sporting events, going for bike rides to get ice cream, riding the motorcycle with her love, and spending quiet nights at home. Tammy and Kelly took many memorable trips throughout Canada and the USA. Tammy would speak highly of the people she made memories with over dinner, drinks, and poolside at their favourite destinations together. Recently she enjoyed going through old photos with her husband Kelly and her brothers and sisters filling the house with laughter and the smells of delicious food. The positive atmosphere brought her profound joy and comfort. Tammy will be deeply missed by her daughter Krysten and son-in-law Jonathan Brokopiw, her loving partner of 13 years, Kelly, and his children, Kyle (Hailie) and Madison (Levan), Tammy's mother Phyllis, siblings: Bonnie, Lorna Kazuk (John), Jim (Linda), Grant (Donna), Mellissa Proctor (Kurt), Pam, Barb (Brad), nieces/nephews (along with their partners and families): Jeffrey, Kyle, Anthony, Chrissy, Brad, Jory, Jordon, Mitchell, Haley, Grant, Alex, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. Her loss is also felt by brother-in-law Gord (Wanda) and family, Warren Bjornson, George Major, David Boyce and family: Janice, Jack, Linda, John, as well as numerous friends and neighbours Tammy held dear. Tammy was predeceased by her father James, brother Jeff and sister Nola. The family would like to thank Dr. Ogaranko and oncology staff at Victoria Cancer Care for their care and guidance these past 17 months. They would also like to thank the staff at Victoria Urgent Care for their compassion. At Tammy's request, there will be no traditional funeral service, as per her wishes the family will honour and remember her with a Celebration of Life, followed by a gathering of fellowship and remembrance. Celebration of Life will be held at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers or for those who wish to make a contribution, donations can be made to the Victoria Hospital Cancer Care Unit, Colorectal Cancer Research or by helping children and youth in need. "Unable to perceive the shape of You, I find You all around me. Your presence fills my eyes with Your love, It humbles my heart, For You are everywhere." Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
Publish Date: Apr 28, 2018

TAMARA JEAN BOYCE (nee SMALE) Peacefully, with family by her side, Tammy passed away on April 11, 2018. Celebration of Life will take place at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Full obituary will follow in the Saturday, April 28, 2018 edition of the Winnipeg Free Press. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
Publish Date: Apr 21, 2018

TAMARA JEAN BOYCE (nee SMALE) Peacefully, with family by her side, Tammy passed away on April 11, 2018. Full obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Apr 14, 2018

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 28, 2018