CASCO — Tammy Clark passed away in her sleep after a two-and-a-half year battle with brain cancer on November 10, 2022, at home in Casco, Maine, in the loving care of her husband, Brian and her brother and sister- in-law, Dan and Donna Fitzpatrick.

She was born in Bridgton, on February 24, 1958, the daughter of Myrtle and Ora Strout.

Tammy grew up in Casco, where she was one of four children with her siblings Rodney, Larry, and Jeanette. Her tight-knit family was incredibly close and loving with the extended family often gathering on the hill at her parents’ house for barbecues, Casco Days, and general family shenanigans.

When Tammy was in high school, she met the love of her life, Brian Clark, and they attended the University of Maine together where Tammy studied to become an elementary school teacher. After graduating, Tammy started working at Stevens Brook Elementary School in Bridgton, where she taught for 37 years. For the majority of those years, she taught in her own first grade classroom, and she became a pillar of Stevens Brook, dedicating her life to making school special for her young students.

Tammy and Brian were married on June 21, 1980, at age 22. They purchased land immediately adjacent to her parents’ land and began to build their own house. While she was pregnant with their first and only child, Alaina, Tammy was helping Brian to design the kitchen, and she was so excited to start her family in the house they built that they moved in well before it was ready. She always joked that this was why it took 30 years to finally get some closet doors in their bedroom. Her sense of adventure and sense of humor was a source of inspiration for all who knew and loved her. They served Tammy well with both her family and her teaching career. She adored the magic and enthusiasm that children bring to the world, and her infectious laugh could often be heard as she surrounded herself with her daughter and her many nieces and nephews giving them loving guidance as they grew.

Besides being a wonderful, loving mother and aunt, Tammy was an avid animal lover. Much to her chagrin, her home was never free from fur because her big heart just couldn’t say no to just one more cat or dog. She always found joy in the simplest of cat antics, and loved sharing animal stories with anyone who visited. The easiest way to convince Tammy to leave her beautiful home and her numerous animals, though, was to simply mention the idea of Disney World. Then, she’d jump up to pack her suitcase many weeks before she was scheduled to leave and be completely mystified when her family wasn’t already packed too. Whether it was flying, driving through the night, towing a pop-up camper, or navigating with an RV full of teenagers, Tammy would be up for the adventure to immerse herself and her family in the magic of Disney.

Tammy embodied the idea that we must “be the change we want to see in the world.” Despite hating confrontation, she was able to clearly demonstrate her values and live according to the principles of kindness, inclusion, and compassion. She lived her life without judging others and fully expected other people to do the same. She supported her family whole-heartedly and was always willing to lend a hand or give advice whenever needed. Her love, guidance, and support gave her family the freedom and courage to branch out and try new things because we always knew that we’d have the safety of Tammy’s love to fall back on.

It is impossible to summarize the life and energy that Tammy brought to this world and her beloved family in a single piece of writing. She often was the sole voice of reason and calm during many family antics, and her guidance, humor, and big heart will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her loving husband, Brian; daughter Alaina and wife Lindsay Cutting of Norway; sister Jeanette and husband Bob Thibodeau of Casco; brother Larry and wife Roni Strout of North Waterboro; her grandson Dalton who she loved dearly; and numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nephews and nieces who all love their “Grammy Tammy.”

Tammy is predeceased by her brother Rodney Strout and her parents Myrtle and Ora Strout.

A memorial service will be held this July during Tammy’s favorite summer event — Casco Days, on the hill where her family loves to gather.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to “Raising Readers” to help Tammy in her career’s work of helping children learn through engaging stories. https://www. raisingreaders.org/who-we-are/donate/

Finally, the Clark family would like to thank the Androscoggin Home Health Care and Hospice team for all their support and care during this difficult time.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco. Condolences and tributes may be shared with Tammy’s family at www.hallfuneralhome.net.