Tami Marie Minto

Our sweet Tami's death was unexpected and sudden, and so we are just beginning the long journey of grieving her loss in our lives.
Tami Marie Minto loved Teddy bears and must have had thousands of them in her lifetime. To many of us, Tami was our Teddy Bear. She was a soft place to land in a hard world for her family, friends and pets. Her unique life journey gave her a deep deep well of compassion, understanding and empathy to draw from. She always said, "I have big shoulders" when others' brought their troubles and sorrows to her door. She always took time to listen and sympathize.
Tami was a joyful helper. She gladly gave her time to be of service to others. Whenever a grateful recipient told her how sweet and giving, she was, Tami would quip with a wry grin, "I am mean, ornery and cantankerous and don't you ever forget it!"
Tami was sweet, sassy and spunky with just a squeeze of lemon. She was the queen of funny comebacks and one-liners. At her job, at various Agricultural Inspection Stations, truckers would jockey to be in Tami's Lane because they knew Tami would be ready to make them laugh and smile with her cheerful good heartedness and ready wit.
Just like the bling she loved to wear, Tami sparkled. She was a little person with a BIG personality. When out on the town with Tami, she never failed to leave strangers smiling having been the recipients of Tami's compliments or endearments.
Tami was integrity plus, trustworthy and hardworking. Her word was her honor. We used to call her Mighty Mouse from the cartoon series. Cue the music: "Here she comes to save the day!" Maybe some of you remember the song? She was a true powerhouse. When she set out to do something, it would get done.
Tami was born into a life of adversity because of congenital birth defects, both inside and out. Because of this, she navigated a world that for her, was filled with hardship, unkindness and rejection. But through absolute grit and determination, paired with her devotion to her intimate relationship with her God, she created a life for herself that was one of personal triumph and loving service to others.
When people would ask her why she was so short, she would quip, "dynamite comes in small packages!" Well now we are going to have to look up instead of down when talking to Tami. For as my sister Karla remarked, "if anyone went straight to heaven, it was Tami." She is in the arms of her beloved father, Vrle, and her adored baby brother, Craig, with Sparky by her side and Pudding purring on her lap.
She leaves behind her mother: Barbara; two sisters Karla and Karlicia; and her brother Vince. She leaves behind her besties; her African Grey parrot Chico, and her two cats, Lizzie and Alex. All of which have been rehomed to loving homes. She was especially close to her sister Karla's family, who supported and nurtured her when she needed it the most. She leaves behind aunts, numerous nieces and nephews and cousins with a special note of love to her cousin Tanis. We are grateful to the members of her park community where she lived, for all the happy times she spent playing cards and socializing, which brought her much joy and happiness. Your enjoyment of her epic holiday decoration extravaganzas quadrupled her joy in doing it.
We have lost Tami on earth, but in heaven we have gained a little angel with the biggest of hearts. Till we meet again, dearest daughter, sister, niece, auntie, cousin, friend and animal friend. Till we meet again.