Tammy Lee Bernice Widseth was born in 1969 in Lewistown, Montana. She graduated from high school at Peoria High School (Phoenix, AZ) then went on to obtain an associate’s degree in Sign Language Interpreting at Phoenix College. She also obtained an associate’s degree in Medical Transcription at Great Falls College MSU.
Tammy used her love for Sign Language and children to work within the many different schools within the Phoenix-Metro area. And because of her never-ending strive to help our fellow man, she also freelanced in the community whenever possible.
Tammy took a break from interpreting to help raise our two wonderful kids, along with making the move to Great Falls. As the kids grew up, Tammy once again had the rewarding time of interpreting in the schools as well as freelancing for the more adult community.
She was a sign language interpreter for close to 20 years before her battle with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) resulted in her having to retire from signing. She did go back to school years later for medical transcription in the hopes to be able to work from home.
She met her best friend, the love of her life, and father to her two children, Brian, at a Catholic Church supply warehouse in Phoenix, AZ. Tammy and Brian spent 35 wonderful years together, with many adventures. She and Brian had two children, Taytum and Dane.
Tammy spent many years battling her medical diagnoses, always striving to make the most of everything and advocating for those with disabilities. She was always working to motivate others to see past their disabilities and love the person within.
Tammy passed away on August 30, 2024, at 11:11 a.m. (her favorite angel numbers for time) in Great Falls, Montana. Her Life Celebration will be held on September 20, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel.
The family created a GoFundMe account to help ease the burden as you never really plan for things like this far enough in advance.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, click here to visit the Schnider Funeral Home website.
