Tamra Derylo

When looking back on the bright and joyous life of Tamra Derylo, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was a shining example of kindness and hard work, and she faced obstacles with a spirit of fierce determination. Nothing brought Tammy greater happiness than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. She had a servant’s generous heart and always opened her arms to anyone and everyone. Dearly missed, Tammy will be forever held close by those who knew her best.

The 1960s are remembered as a time of great change for the United States. The civil rights movement was in full swing, and the young JFK was elected president. It was during this exciting time that Jack and Adele (Allersma) Bright of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were awaiting the arrival of their baby. On November 18, 1961, they welcomed a daughter, who they named Tamra Lynn, into their hearts and home.

Growing up, Tammy enjoyed a typical childhood of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids alongside her four siblings, Jim, Jack, Don, and Marybeth. The youngest of the Bright family, Marybeth, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and Tammy helped care for her little sister in whatever ways she could. From a young age, Tammy enjoyed camping in a tent around Michigan with the rest of her family. Her parents eventually purchased a trailer, which allowed them to form many fond memories at Lincoln Lake.Tammy found a passion for all things horses early on, as she fostered a great love for all animals.

Tammy attended local schools, including Huff Elementary and Creston High School. She was a social butterfly who enjoyed hanging out with friends, and over the years, she built several long-lasting friendships. Tammy’s basement was the place to gather, and guests would sign their names on the walls. Tammy also began her career by cleaning houses, housekeeping, and working in an office position at Commercial Equipment.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Tammy as she met the man who would quickly become the love of her life. His name was Martin Derylo, and the two first met at Jack’s Web, where he promised to pick her up for their first date in his Corvette. Tammy was skeptical, but Marty ended up fulfilling his promise. There was an instant spark between the two, and the rest was history. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Tammy and Marty were married on August 2, 1985. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon in Grand Haven before settling into their first home on Lake Michigan Drive.

All who knew Tammy can certainly agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She was overjoyed to become a mother to her daughter, Jessica, and following her marriage to Marty, the two welcomed two more daughters, Tracy and Sam, into their family as well. Tammy thrived in her role as a mother, and her first priority was caring for her family and their longtime home on Ferris Street. She was extremely organized, meticulously neat, and an excellent cook. She made the best koolaid, disclosing only that the special ingredient was the "extra love" that she added. The Derylo family enjoyed many summers camping and boating in their 18’ Rinker. Later in life, Tammy was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she doted on them whenever she could. Tammy always considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Tammy was never afraid to work hard in order to provide for herself and those who depended on her. While raising her family, she worked part-time for a daycare at Miracle Lanes alongside her mother, watching after other children as well as her own. Later on, Tammy took a job in the deli section at D&W. She was proud to make it through all those years without losing a finger. A back injury eventually kept Tammy from returning to work, but she refused to let her injuries keep her from enjoying life.

Never one to sit still for long, Tammy pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She was an active member of the drill team with the FOE for a time, even traveling as far as Las Vegas to participate. Tammy and Marty bowled in leagues for several years, and she enjoyed cribbage and all kinds of card games. She loved to host family gatherings and make every holiday special. Tammy was an avid reader of fiction, including horror and thrillers, and she enjoyed scary movies as well. She liked to watch America’s Got Talent, and she loved thunderstorms. There was even a correlation with her infamous rain dance and the arrival of a tornado. Over the years, Tammy remained very close with many of her family members. She talked to her children every day, and she took every opportunity to spend time with her daughters. Tammy treasured her beloved dogs, earning the nickname of “the dog whisperer.” She hated clutter and always kept both her indoor and outdoor spaces neat and clean. Tammy was always happiest when her loved ones were near.

As family and friends can surely agree, Tamra Derylo truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and she was well known for her selflessness and her love for laughter. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Tammy was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Her primary focus in life was building deep and personal relationships with those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, Tammy leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Tamra Lynn Derylo, age 62 of Walker, passed away July 31, 2024. She is survived by her husband, Marty; children Jessica Coleman, Tracy (Kyle) Hadaway, and Sam (Neil Vanderroer) Derylo; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers Jim (Yogi) Bright, Jack (Cindy) Bright, Don (Laura) Bright; sister-in-law Denise (Brian) Quinn as well as nieces and nephews.

Tammy was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Adele Bright; sister, Marybeth Bright; Alice Derylo and Lorie Steigmeyer.

A service to remember and celebrate Tammy’s life will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 1 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends are invited to share memories and time with her family from 2 – 4 PM, following the service. Her family suggests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to either Humane Society of West Michigan or Pet Tails Rescue. To read more about Tammy, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com