On October 31, 2024, Tamara passed away peacefully following a brief stay at the Ottawa Hospital – General Campus and after her courageous battle with cancer. Beloved and devoted daughter of the late Maria (Schewtschenko, 2021) and late Vladymir (Walter, 2009).
Tamara was born in Liege, Belgium and the family emigrated to Canada in 1951 and settled in Sudbury, Ontario. Tamara was a determined, independent and intelligent woman. She studied at McGill University before heading to study law at the University of Ottawa where she graduated with her LLB in 1973. As one of only four women in her graduating class, Tamara was a pioneer in the world of law at a time when the profession was dominated by men. She was competitive, she had an acerbic wit and she spoke her mind. Tamara was not afraid of a good argument.
She started her early legal practice up in Cochrane, Ontario doing among other things real estate law. Then she joined the Department of Justice in Ottawa working on commercial transactions. Tamara worked on many ground breaking projects during her years at Justice and met so many of her life long friends while working on these projects and throughout her career. She was very dedicated to her profession and accomplished in her legal career receiving many accolades including her Queen’s Counsel appointment in 1989. She moved within the Department of Justice to working with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) eventually becoming General Counsel at CCC until her retirement.
Tamara loved to travel far and wide. Her travels allowed her to enjoy two of her other passions – shopping (always looking for a good deal but never sacrificing quality) and fine food and wine. At home, she loved to work in her garden and her green thumb made her garden a beautiful haven. She was passionate about cooking and was always trying a new recipe. She shared her wonderful culinary creations – hosting and attending dinners with friends. Tamara enjoyed her own company but her love of animals meant she was never alone, she cherished her faithful cat Max and then later Piper. Tamara was dedicated to her own pets and also to ensuring the well-being of animals generally through her generous donations to animal-related charities.
Tamara was passionate about life. When faced with her cancer diagnosis, she confronted it and continued to live life to its fullest and sadly we lost her too soon. We are fortunate that she accomplished so much in her life and that Tamara was laughing with friends, cooking and planning until just a few days before her passing. Truly remarkable. A special thank you to all of her friends who laughed and cried with her, who listened and who drove her to appointments and who were just there for her in life and in death. She appreciated each of you.
Tamara was a fierce advocate for causes she believed in, if you would like to make a donation in her honour please consider donating to: the Canadian Guide Dogs for Blind, Ovarian Cancer Canada or the Ottawa Hospital Foundation directed in particular to Ovarian Cancer Research.
A private burial service will be held. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Beechwood Cemetery.
Digital Guestbook
Michelle Taylor
Brittany Clarke
Tamara was a force! I was fortunate enough to meet her early on in my hairstyling career and got to know her through many years of regular visits. Her spicy personality and love for travel is what really connected us. Sending love and condolences to her loved ones.
Tamara was an incredible woman. I will never forget her dedication and tenacity, and her candour and kindness. She was a force. My deepest condolences to her friends and family.