Tammy Hagerty’s life started on Jan. 1, 1953, and ended on March 23, 2015 in the rural Bend area of Oregon. She succumbed after a 5-year courageous struggle with cancer. Without regret, she tackled several health challenges from early adulthood on. Her family said she lived according to her life mottos: “Deal with obstacles! Recover! Move forward! Look forward! Enjoy life!”

Tammy was a rancher family’s daughter and was self-sufficient, skilled, industrious, confident and an excellent horsewoman. She had a high degree of work ethic mixed with common sense. 

She came to Alaska in the early 1980s and worked for 23 years for the city of Homer. Her dedicated and long public service career started as a clerk at the Port and Harbor office, progressed to City Hall as the secretary to the City Manager, and ended as the Parks and Recreation manager of the local Public Works department. 

Many people witnessed Tammy’s dedication and admired her stellar work accomplishments. Her relentless efforts towards the benefit of the community of Homer were remarkable. Many Homerites appreciated her beautification projects and the maintenance of public facilities that required long working hours and included weekends. Homer folks harbor deep respect for her high level of service. 

Her public and private service commitments included hosting and planning events for visitors for Homer’s sister city, Teshio, Japan; assisting in weighing in salmon at the Winter King derbies; preparing food and organizing multiple private fundraisers; and helping friends whenever needed. 

Tammy was also a skillful seamstress, a master gardener, a weaver, an excellent cook, an art lover and a world traveler. 

During her Homer years, she gained many trusted friends who appreciated her humor, commitment and loyalty. 

She leaves behind her life partner, Jim Niemala; her parents, Bob and Colleeen Hagerty; her sister Jill and her family; brothers, Mike and Lesley and their families; and many Homer friends.  

“We all will always miss, love, and respect Tammy. Thank you, Tammy, for enhancing our lives,” her family said. 

Tammy’s family plans a celebration of life get-together in either July or August.