Tamara “Tammy” (Colegrove) McDowell

Tamara "Tammy" (Colegrove) McDowell, 38, of Middlefield, beloved wife of Steve McDowell, Jr., died peacefully Monday, June 25 at Middlesex Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born in Middletown, the daughter of Geoffrey and Janet (Johnson) Colegrove of Durham. Tammy had a love for sports and was an All-State athlete for Coginchaug Regional High School playing three sports. She played basketball for Central Connecticut State University, where she later became a coach with her long time friend, Kim Foley. Most recently, she was a physical education teacher for Adams Middle School in Guilford, where she was loved by both her students and fellow teachers.
Tammy is survived by her two sons, Andrew "AJ" and Jacob, both of Middlefield; her brother, Garth Colegrove and his wife, Kimberly, of Clinton; her sister, Alaina Colegrove and her fiancé, Ryan Jacob, of Middletown; her grandmother, Mary Colegrove, of New Britain; in-laws, Steven and Vicki McDowell; her sister-in-law, Mary-Beth McDowell; her beloved dog, Beau; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends and colleagues.
Tammy loved her boys most of all. Her fondest memories were spent at her family's cottage on Cedar Island in Clinton, kayaking in the water, building sand castles and collecting shells. Tammy could also be found on the basketball court, posting up "the guys," or training for road races with her sister, Alaina. Etched in our memories will be Tammy and Steve's exchange of vows in Bermuda, and the endless "Dark and Stormy's" consumed on their wedding cruise. Tammy has taught us all the meaning of courage and strength in the face of overwhelming adversity. Her positive attitude, graceful and humble heart, and infectious smile has changed our outlook on life and will remain with us forever.
On behalf of Tammy's family, we would like to thank Tammy's friends at Adams Middle School and all of the staff of the Middlesex Hospital Community who had cared for her, especially the Connecticut Oncology Group, Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, and Middlesex Hospital Hospice and Palliative Care. Your devoted patience and care for Tammy throughout the past several months has touched us and we will forever be grateful for all the love you have shown Tammy and our family.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday at 9:15 a.m. from Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 10 a.m. at St. Colman Church, Hubbard St., Middlefield. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown. Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for the benefit of her sons can be made to The Tammy McDowell Family Fund, 12 Burt Dr., Middlefield, CT 06455, or the Middlesex Hospital Weiss Hospice Unit, c/o Dept. of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.
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