Tami Vermillion, 64

Tami Marie Vermillion left us on February 13th 2024. She is survived by husband Gregg, daughter Kate [Tom] Ash-Vermillion, and many family members and friends, including dearest life-long friend Anthony Petrarca. She was preceded in death by her mother Virginia Loidhamer and father John Loidhamer.

Tami was born in Tacoma at St. Joseph Hospital in 1959 and lived her entire life in Washington State, mostly in Tacoma and Gig Harbor. She attended Pacific Lutheran University where she graduated with a BA in Education and a MA in School Counseling. She worked as a middle school counselor in the University Place school district until 1995 and later worked at the welcome center of the Gig Harbor YMCA through 2019. As an avid lover of animals, Tami volunteered at both the Humane Society and Point Defiance Zoo.

In late 2021, Tami was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain tumor. She entered hospice care in January 2024 and passed away peacefully at St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor with Gregg and Kate by her side.

Tami was an accomplished amateur artist, and her artwork graces the homes of many family members and friends. Tami is remembered for her kind heart, creativity, and generous spirit. Gregg’s family adopted Tami as their own, and she helped organize many extended family gatherings.

More about Tami’s life, photos, and a place for sharing thoughts and memories can be found online at https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/11666497.

Please join us for a celebration of Tami’s life at Sehmel Homestead Park Pavilion in Gig Harbor on June 23rd at 1 p.m. Donations in Tami’s honor may be made to the Humane Society of Pierce County, Habitat for Humanity of Pierce County, or Gig Harbor FISH.