Tamara “Tammy” Gochanour, 54, of Queen Creek, Arizona, passed away February 16, 2025. She was born on June 2, 1970, in Decatur, Illinois, and moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1985.
Tammy graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and found success as a sales representative. Her favorite role was with Aramark Uniform Services, where she was able to combine her love of fashion with her professional skills. After becoming a mother with her second child, she chose to leave the workforce to dedicate herself to raising her children and prioritizing her health.
Tammy battled Addison’s Disease and other health challenges for nearly 25 years, which often made daily life difficult. Despite these hardships, she was a devoted and loving mother to her greatest joys, Tyler (born 1997) and Morgan (born 2001). She did everything to ensure they had a wonderful life. She never missed an opportunity to spoil them, encourage them in their education, and support their dreams. Her dedication helped them earn multiple scholarships and achieve academic success.
Tammy’s love for Northern Arizona University carried on through her children, as both Tyler and Morgan followed in her footsteps and earned their own bachelor’s degrees from NAU. Morgan even pursued the same major as her mother—Marketing. Flagstaff held a special place in Tammy’s heart, filled with cherished memories from her college years and visits with her children as they forged their own paths.
In 2023, Tammy walked her daughter down the aisle alongside her brother, Brandon, as she married Preston Hatch. Tammy cherished the time Morgan and Preston lived with her, getting to know the man she was entrusting with her daughter’s heart. She also shared a special bond with her son, Tyler, who lived with her in the final months of her life, allowing them to create lasting memories together.
Tammy adored dogs, roses, butterflies, the colors red and navy blue, had a keen eye for shopping the best deals, and found joy in attending concerts with her daughter. Family was at the center of her world, and Hawaii held a special place in her heart. In the last months of her life, she took a memorable trip to Poipu, Kauai, where she swam with sea turtles, enjoyed breathtaking sunsets, and embraced every precious moment with loved ones.
Tammy was overjoyed to soon become a grandmother, eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first grandson from Morgan and Preston. Though she did not get to hold him in her arms, her love will always surround him.
Heaven gained an angel far too soon, but Tammy’s legacy of love, strength, and devotion will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She leaves behind her parents, Pamela and Richard; her brother, Brandon; her children, Tyler and Morgan; her son-in-law, Preston; and many family members and friends who will cherish her memory.
She will be deeply missed and in our hearts forever.
A celebration of life was held at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery on Monday, February 24, 2025.
Arrangements were cared for by Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery.
