Tamara "Tammy" Marie (Waataja) Duame, 61, of Mountain Iron, MN passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023 after a brief battle with lung cancer.

Tammy was the daughter of Richard "Rick" and Erlene (LeMoine) Waataja of Cook, MN. She was born October 2, 1962 along with her twin brother Timothy "Tim" Waataja. Tammy graduated from Cook High School, class of '81. She received an Associate of Arts Degree from Mesabi Community College. Among other jobs, Tammy worked as a secretary and bookkeeper, and as a Senior Service Representative at Blue Cross of MN. In 2012, she started work at Lake Country Power, and was recently promoted to Dispatcher. Co-workers describe her as "kind and trustworthy," they will "remember her great sense of humor," and how she "seemed to always find the humor in everything."

Friends describe her as "a loving, caring person" and "a sweet friend." "Tammy was kind, compassionate and funny. She always found a way to make you smile or laugh. She persevered in her life on all roads that she traveled and made the best of every situation she encountered. She truly made the world a better place."

Tammy was passionate about her family, and kept regular correspondence with uncles and aunts who lived far away. She was dedicated in preserving Waataja, Farrington, LeMoine and Lindbeck family history. With the help of DNA testing, Tammy was excited to explore her genealogy and heritage, and was elated to discover and meet new family in recent years. She was a dedicated partner and spouse to Mark. Above all, Tammy was a devoted and loving mother, extremely proud of her son Kyle and his accomplishments. She was the best mom he could have possibly asked for.

Tammy loved music. She loved the blues and attended the Bayfront Blues Festival many times. Tammy wore a shirt with the simple words: "Read Harper Lee. Listen to John Prine. Be a good human being." That's what she did. That's who she was.

Tammy was recently preceded in death by her husband: Mark Duame on November 2, 2023; and her parents, Richard "Rick" (2004) and Erlene (2020).

Tammy is survived by her son: Kyle Aune of Duluth, MN; siblings: Debra "Debbie" Lenzen of Cook, MN; Timothy "Tim" (Susan) Waataja of Summerville, SC; William "Bill" (Di) Waataja of Burnsville, MN; many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; as well as newly-discovered family in Idaho and Canada. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all that knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 2:00pm at Mlaker Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.