Tamara Steerman Gordon

Tamara Steerman Gordon, aka Tammy, aka our kind, sweet, and talented mom, sister, grandmom, who never stopped learning, died peacefully in her sleep at about 4:00 AM, 06/15/2022, at the age of 92 ¾.

Let's celebrate who she was. Several friends described her as ahead of her time and a force of nature. Tamara was fearless. She was an artist and creator of beautiful paintings and ceramics. She had a BFA from University of Pennsylvania in Architecture/Interior Design. After having four children she went back to University of Pennsylvania and earned a Master’s in Archeology and Anthropology. Following that she earned a law degree from Villanova. While she was practicing law Tamara also earned a Master’s in Taxation from Temple University.

Tammy was a tireless activist, environmentalist, an anti-war protester, and an advocate for justice.  She taught us to treat everyone as equals, to love learning, love art, love the earth, to love travel, and to work for justice.

When Tammy started using a walker I (her daughter Jane) was lightening her handbag.  There was a copy of The US Constitution which I started to put in the pile of things she didn’t need to carry, when Tammy stopped me, saying:

"Oh no. I need that.  Sometimes the Constitution comes in handy."

Tammy was 92 and had dementia. These last years it was as if we had a different mom, but both were wonderful.

Most important, Tammy created a good life for herself and others with her art and endless curiosity. Our homes are decorated with her art, we use her ceramics daily, and have more for younger generations to enjoy as they begin to create their own homes. 

Tammy was loving and surrounded by love. She lives on in our hearts and is and will be greatly missed.

Tamara leaves behind her four children (William Stuart Gordon and wife Anna Shuguang Du, Jane Alison Gordon, Samuel Douglas Gordon and wife Susan Gross Gordon, and Brian Anthony Gordon), five grandchildren (David Harrison Wei Gordon, Rachael Rose Gordon, Sophia Claire Gordon, Emma Anne MacKenzie Gordon, and Mia Ana Rose Gordon Rutter), sister and family (Deanna Steerman Salzmann, Jacob Abraham Salzmann DDS, Colonel USAF, DC-Ret, Michael S Salzmann and Christine Lyn Amichetti Salzmann), and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones. Tamara was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Bernard Gordon on 10/26/2006.

In honor of Tammy, donations can be made to her beloved arts center:

Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences

https://www.lbifoundation.org/

www.levinefuneral.com