Tamara "Tamy" Dietsch was born September 30th, 1954 in Waterloo Iowa to Robert and Cleo Dietsch. She attended St. Edward's as a child and later attended Columbus High School. Tamy received a Master's Degree from UNI in Speech Pathology, and worked for a number of years as a speech pathologist for the Waterloo area schools. She loved working with children, and was very dedicated to helping them achieve their greatest potential. Over the years Tamy was sought out and recruited to tutor numerous children on a wide range of subjects. Her patience and ingenuity in her approach with each child enabled their success.

Tamy had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She had a keen intellect and intense curiosity which led her to learn about a wide range of topics, evidenced by the thousands of books she had read. While still in high school, Mensa invited her to join their organization. Tamy politely declined, as she was saving her money for college and could not afford the membership fee.

Tamy loved books and was a ravenous reader, looking to learn something new each day. Many of her family members and friends sought her out if they had a question, as she always seemed to know the answer. If she did not know the answer, she would research until she discovered it.

Tamy was a devout "old school" Catholic, choosing to attend traditional Latin mass at St. Philomena's Chapel in Bremer County, Iowa. There she met many kindred spirits who shared her passion for their traditional Catholic beliefs. She made lovely friends at St. Philomena's and cherished her 'church family'.

Tamy was very devoted to her family and friends. She took care of her mom and dad with their various health problems for many years. She meticulously oversaw every aspect of their care with love and dedication. To her siblings she was a constant rock, ever present if needed for help, advice, or a dose of her dry humor. Always willing to do whatever needed to be done, as reliable as the sun rising. Being the oldest child, she took her role seriously as the great protector over her younger siblings. This trait continued throughout her life, always trying to shield the ones she loved from harm.

Tamy loved being an aunt to her only niece, Jenny. She showered her niece with love, attention, and knowledge. Her love of reading was passed on to her niece, having read countless books to her as a small child. Tamy always spoke to Jenny as more of an adult than a child, using words far beyond a toddler's knowledge. She said she did it to 'expand her mind,' and that she would learn the meaning of the words by inference. She was correct! Her niece spoke early on, and well beyond her years. Tamy loved creating special childhood memories, like Cinderella's glass slipper in the back yard, or jingling bells upstairs so Jenny would believe a bit longer that Santa had arrived on the rooftop.

Tamy was a gifted artist, although she did not see herself as one. One year at her mother's request, she drew 4 still life nature scenes in 15 minutes (with ballpoint pen) to act as her birthday present. The drawings hung over the fireplace for many years after.

Tamy was passionate about nature, trees, and all creatures. She loved all animals and had a special affinity for squirrels. She fed them all year round, and they were affectionately referred to as 'Tamy squirrels' as they grew plump from her feed. Committed to the love of animals, she chose to be a lifelong vegetarian beginning in her teen years.

One of Tamy's favorite quotes was, "Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved."

Words to live by. Rest in Peace Dear Sister.