Gayle R. Tama

Gayle R. Tama (nee Blum) age 88, a longtime resident of Chicago Heights, Illinois passed away peacefully on March 9, 2023.  Beloved wife of 59 years to the late Walter F. Tama (GySgt USMC Ret., d. 2013). Loving mother to Cheryl R. Tama Oblander and son-in-law Scott, and Gregory Tama and daughter-in-law Rosemary. Cherished grandmother to Erica (Christopher) Cox and Alex Tama, and delighted great-grandmother to Cedric Cox. Fond sister to William (Cindy) Blum, Ronald (Sally) Blum and her strongest supporter in life the late Carl J. Blum Jr. (d. 1994) (Annies d. 2021). Dear aunt, cousin and friend to many, including her caregiver Audrey Rainford and best friend Rose Klauck. Gayle was an active homemaker and community volunteer. Her door was always open for friends and family. She contributed her many talents to the Marine Corps League South Suburban Chicago Detachment, St. Kieran Women’s Club and St. James Hospital, where she greeted arriving visitors for many years. She retired from her position as bookkeeper with Schwartz Moving and Storage Company in 2000. She rests gently now with her parents, Carl J. and Violet (Kelly) Blum Sr., and all her loved ones who passed before her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots, https://www.toysfortots.org. 

Visitation and service on Monday, March 13th from 9AM until the time of funeral service at 12 Noon at Kerr-Parzygnot Funeral Home, 540 Dixie Hwy. (at Joe Orr Rd.), Chicago Heights, IL 60411. Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois at a later date. (708) 754-0016.