Obituary: Tammy Bennardo, 46, of Algonquin

Tammy L. (de Boer) Bennardo, age 46, of Algonquin, IL passed away on Thursday evening, June 21, 2012 surrounded by her loving family and friends, after a courageous 12-year battle with brain cancer.

Tammy was born in Alliance, Ohio on September 12, 1965. She was raised in the Akron, Ohio area and was a 1983 graduate of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy.  In 1988 she graduated from Taylor University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

Tammy married Mark T. Bennardo on Aug. 15, 1992 and enjoyed nearly 20 years of marriage together.  They have two wonderful daughters – Alyssa and Jenna - who were the joy and light of her life.

Tammy was a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, where she also formerly served on staff.

Tammy was loved and admired by so many.  She lit up a room, whenever she entered it, with her quiet, gentle, loving spirit and sweet infectious smile.  Her heart was to serve others, which she did constantly – despite her many health challenges.  She often smiled through the pain, showing no indication of her own struggles as she served and loved those around her.

Amidst her love for her husband, children, family and friends, Tammy’s greatest love was for her Lord and Savior, Jesus.  She served him faithfully and now enjoys Him fully, in His presence.

Other survivors include her parents: Willem & Susan de Boer (of Tallmadge, Ohio), sisters Debbie (Carlos) Peralta and Suzanne (Orlando) Roldan, brother-in-law Tom (Marcia) Bennardo, in-laws Tom (Nancy) Bennardo, six nieces and one nephew.

Family and friends gathered for a service celebrating her life on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington.  An estimated crowd of 700 attended.

Additionally, a memorial service will be held in Akron, Ohio at The Chapel, 135 Fir Hill, Akron, OH, on Monday, July 2, 2012.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until the time of the service at 6:30 pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pepper Family Hospice Home and Care Center in Barrington, IL.

Arrangements by The Miller Funeral Home, West Dundee.

Submitted by Mark Bennardo