Tamara Mottice

Tamara D. Mottice (Dykstra), "Auntie", 53, of Millersville, MD died on September 17th, 2025 surrounded by loving family and friends. She was born in Westerly, RI on February 1, 1972 to William and Eleanor Dykstra. As a child, her father described her as caring, strong-willed and wise. Tammy attended South Kingstown High School in Wakefield, RI and graduated in 1990. She was known for being a great defender and a supportive friend.

Tammy dedicated much of her life committed to caring for others. She worked for many years for the Town of Charlestown's Ambulance and Rescue Service where she was part of a highly skilled emergency management team. In her years of service as a first responder, Tammy excelled in not just caring for the critical healthcare needs for the community at large but for the EMS team she worked with and often led. She also worked as a commercial fisherman with her father and dearly loved the life on the open water which ran in her family for generations. She was a hard worker and a peacemaker among the crew. She worked well with others and spent much of her time making things easier for those around her. Later, she was a graphic designer who's talent and imagination enabled her to design many complex and beautiful projects for her clients. She lastly served in hospitality for the church and gave continually of herself. Tammy's true gift was hospitality of which her heart light shone through. Tammy had a huge giving heart that was evident to all, no matter the situation.

To work with, learn from and be cared for by Tammy was a true blessing. She was a gifted leader, a compassionate caregiver, patient and talented teacher; as well as being a sympathetic shoulder to lean on or a willing ear to listen at any time of day or night.

She was a loving and devoted wife to Eric Mottice for 25 years. She was a protective and supportive sister to Katie. She was a loving Auntie who gave endlessly of herself to Alexis, Nick, Britney and Stephanie. As her nieces and nephew grew older, she became a caring surrogate "aunt" to the Crutchley family's children: Ellie, Jack, Nora and Addison.

For those of us who knew her, she was a vibrant human who loved deeply and gave completely. She was generous, kind, caring, and compassionate. She gave endlessly of herself and found joy and purpose in loving and serving others.

Tammy was preceded in death by her mother, Eleanor Dykstra and her faithful labradoodle, Rigsby, that was steadfast by her side for 15 years. She is survived by her husband Eric Mottice, father William C. Dykstra II, sister Katie Elliott, nieces Alexis, Stephanie and Britney Laraway, and nephew Nick Laraway.

Services will be held at Severn Run Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1624 Millersville Road, Millersville, MD 21108, on Saturday October 18th, 2025 at 2pm.

An additional Celebration of Life will be held in RI, at Camden's Restaurant, 756 Kingstown Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879, on Saturday November 15th, from 1-4pm.