Tamara Gail Martin

Tamara (Tami) Gail (Cole) Martin November 2, 1948 - August 14, 2010 SALEM - Tami was born in Portland, Oregon November 2, 1948, and died August 14, 2010, in Salem, Oregon. She grew up in Salem attending Englewood, Parrish and graduated from North Salem High School in 1966 where she was an honor student. She continued to excel as a student at the University of Oregon and Portland State University where she tutored math and graduated with a degree in Sociology in 1975. Tami continued her education studying accounting at PSU and later computer operations at Chemeketa Community College. She worked in various positions in state government including accountant and controller. Tami's favorite job however, was that of agency librarian. She married her husband, John in 1975. Since then she lived in only two locations, both on Salem's Mill Creek. An excellent seamstress, Tami enjoyed making dresses, doll clothes, animals and curtains for others. Always with a sunny disposition, she touched many with her positive outlook. She enjoyed numerous trips with her husband in Oregon, the U.S. and British Columbia. Her favorite summertime vacation activity was swimming in an outdoor pool. Tami was drawn numerous times to Victoria, British Columbia where the British atmosphere and charm of a visit to the Empress Hotel buoyed her spirits. A regular at Olinger pool for many years, Tami met numerous others who shared her passion for swimming. Tami enjoyed music. She attended five Neil Diamond concerts with her husband, John, to whom she was devoted. In addition, they were season subscribers to the Portland Baroque Orchestra and Portland Opera. Tami particularly liked to dress for the Opera. Tami and John also regularly attended vesper services and concerts at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland. A member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Tami's faith was important to her. No stranger to adversity, Tami fought breast cancer for over 12 years with a steady resolve and determination that was admired by family, friends and health care providers. She found great comfort in many who treated her including Drs. Nancy Boutin and Bud Pierce. She is survived by her husband, John; brother, Steve Cole of Portland; sister, Debbie Everett and husband, Jim of Gresham; brother-in-law, Lance Martin of Salem; brother-in-law, Les Martin and wife, Laura of Seattle; nieces, Christy, Alison and Jennifer; and nephew, Michael. Tami was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth W. and Olive Z. Cole. Funeral Services to be held at 10 a.m., Monday, August 23, 2010, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 790 Marion St. NE in Salem. Interment will be at 2 p.m. the same day at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon. Contributions may be made to the Salem Cancer Institute, 875 Oak St. SE, Salem, OR 97309.