Tami Jean Taylor

Tami Jean Taylor, age 61, formerly of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2023, at 11:28pm, surrounded by her loved ones.

Tami was born on October 1, 1961, the fourth daughter of five children. She had a happy childhood and recalled how she marched in a parade as a flower child and her summers spent as a lifeguard and water skiing at Lake Okoboji, Iowa. Tami graduated from Le Mars Community High School in 1980. She was an active and well-loved student, during her tenure, she was involved in track, cheerleading, student council, rifle corps and crowned homecoming queen. Her Volkswagen bug was involved in many practical jokes.

After graduation, she attended college at the University of Iowa and met Joseph Herbert at Lake Okoboji, Iowa. They were married on August 14, 1982. After living in multiple cities throughout the Midwest and California, Tami and Joe settled in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1988. They welcomed their daughters, Kelsi Taylor Lane (Herbert), in 1989, and Jessica Noelle Herbert in 1991. During this time, Tami and Joe purchased their brand-new home in 1990. The couple later separated but have remained close raising their two girls.

Tami received her bachelor's degree from Ottawa University in 1994. She discovered her true professional calling and received both her Real Estate Agent and Broker's licenses. Highly successful, Tami won many prestigious professional accolades including, the Dave Stone Award, the Mames Award, Diamond Achievement Award (2002), Keller Williams' Rookie of the Year (2001), Multi-Million Dollar Producer (2001-2009), Re/Max 100% Club (2003-2008), Top 50 Residential Realtors, Arizona Business Journal- Book of Lists (2004), Woodside homes Presidents Club (2015), Gold CSI Award (2019), 2018 Silver Net Sales Award (2018) , and over ten million in sales volume (2019).

Tami loved her home in Ahwatukee, she updated it and enjoyed her pool overlooking her favorite trails on South Mountain. She had two pets, Bailey and Daisy, little blonde cairn terriers she loved to cuddle up with.

Tami was incredibly active and loved to go fast whether it be hiking, water/snow skiing, or biking. Tami was a regular in Spin class at the local Lifetime and would schedule her week to make sure she could always attend with her friends. She liked to have a glass of Chardonnay with her family or friends and always had a fun, but down to earth perspective. Lastly, she enjoyed driving fast, always zipping around in her sports car and of course, never at fault for any tickets received or dings.

Tami brought the family to Phoenix, where it has become the hub for the family to meet for holidays and spend time together. Her parents moved down the street, allowing for frequent visits, dinners and happy hours, often with friends, family, her daughters, specifically Jess. She relished her nightly calls with both her sisters, talking about home design with her sister, Joleen, and catching up on life or bragging about a Words with Friends victory with Jolynn. She made many memories hiking with her sister Lori in both Arizona and Colorado. She enjoyed boating with her younger brother, Dave, and his visits to Phoenix, so she could defeat him hiking the trails.

Tami met her husband, Ron Dupuis, in January 2016. Before getting too serious, she, of course, tested Ron on her favorite hiking trails, and he surprised her by being able to keep up on the tough routes. For those who were able to see Tami and Ron together, it was clear they had found the perfect match in each other. Tami and Ron made many happy memories and frequently traveled. Specifically, Tami felt peace when watching the surfers in Huntington Beach, CA or hiking trails in Honolulu, HI. Locally, they spent the weekends hiking and biking in the Scottsdale area.

Tami loved Ron and her daughters dearly, but it was her grandson Clarke that would make her light up. She spent each weekend with him playing cars, army men, or multiple summers attempting to teach him to swim; he's still learning. No matter the game being played, Clarke would dub only himself and his Grandma as the only "Champions".

After her diagnosis, Tami enrolled at the Mayo Clinic in a research trial to help find a cure for her cancer. She knew finding cure would likely not occur for her but wanted to help others. She endured unimaginable side effects yet she was also granted the gift of time. She enjoyed the time by taking trips to her favorite places and spent quality time with her loved ones. Her doctor assured that her participation was integral to helping create better treatments and hopefully, eventually discover a cure.

Tami is survived her parents, Bernard Aloys Taylor and Joellen Marie Taylor, nee Nemmers, of Le Mars, Iowa; husband Ronald Patrick Dupuis, of Scottsdale, Arizona; her four siblings Joleen Miller (m. Keith Miller), Jolynn Sitzmann (w. Leon Sitzmann), Lori Chroneos (m. Bob Chroneos), David Taylor (m. Nancy Taylor); her two daughters Kelsi Taylor Lane (m. Chase Lane), Jessica Noelle Herbert, and their father Joseph Anthony Herbert; her grandson Clarke Edward Lane; and her nine nieces and nephews.

Her services will be held at 10am on February 24, 2023, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E Knox Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044. In lieu of flowers, her family is asking that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley or the Mayo Clinic.