Tamara “Tammy” Miller-McKeown

Type of Donation:          organs

Age and Location:          Age 47 – Bakersfield, CA

Donation Date:             12/24/2022

Sponsor:                   Honored by OneLegacy

TAMMY’S STORY

Tamara Jean Miller-McKeown; but everyone called her Tammy. She simply made the world a better place with her signature sense of humor and quick wit; only to be outshined by her infectious smile and beautiful heart. This Bakersfield native loved to travel, always making plans for the next adventure. She traveled to Rome, Italy & Spain as a single gal. And after getting married to the love of her life, her favorite trips were cruises, getaways to the beach, quiet times in the mountains and family visits. She loved the world for the beauty it held and the people in it.

Tammy’s generous nature and love for others motivated her to always find time to give back. She was a dedicated blood donor, active church member, and community volunteer, participating in the annual Walks to End Alzheimer’s and to Find a Cure for Multiple Sclerosis; two organizations that were very personal to her. You could find her each year at the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County’s annual cinnamon roll drive. She was happy to work in the tent packaging rolls, but really preferred working the drive thru so she could greet everyone and flash her bright smile & sparkling blue eyes.

She was a devoted doggy-mama to Nola, their Australian Shepherd, named after the place where she fell in love with Big Easy culture and Mardi Gras -- New Orleans, Louisiana. After living in Lafayette for a time, Tammy came back to Bakersfield and brought the spirit of Louisiana with her. She continued celebrating Mardi Gras, traveling back to NOLA with friends to add more beads to her already overflowing collection.

This beauty died suddenly and unexpectedly from a blood clot on December 20, 2020, at the age of 47. Tammy gave her family the comfort of making her final wishes known by choosing the pink dot on her driver’s license. Even in death, she wanted to continue to help others and show love to her community. Tammy served others throughout her life by giving of herself. Christmas Eve 2020 was no different -- she did just that. She gave three families an indescribably precious gift… the gift of life: her heart, liver and both kidneys. Tammy’s family has seen first-hand at what her incredible gifts have done for these families. Some call her their angel and miracle.

Tammy McKeown’s family knows that her love lives on and her adventure continues as she travels on the Donate Life Rose Parade float, flashing that contagious smile, and humbly being called a hero.