Tammy Jo Ort Reid
September 11, 1960 – July 8, 2018
Tammy Reid, 57, of Bryan, formerly of Houston, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2018, in Bryan after a long struggle of failing health. A memorial service will be held with family and close friends in Bryan. Cremation services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers Bryan-College Station.
Tammy was born to Gene Paul Ort and Sharon Ritchey Ort, in Pittsburg, Pa on September 11, 1960. Tammy’s first three years of life were spent in and out of hospitals as she was born with a rare kidney defect. Her nurses called her the “Night Supervisor” as this little toddler was able to communicate the need of care for a crying infant on her floor. Tammy loved the snow and had a passion for dancing. She was active as an adolescent in ice-skating, ballet and tap-dancing. She enjoyed water recreational activities and was a good swimmer on Honey Lake in Barrington, Illinois. As a determined young lady when she set her mind to doing something she gave her all. Upon the family relocating to Texas she learned to ride horses. Her most favorite of pets was “Tahoka”, whom she rode during many trail rides and barrel competitions. She and her siblings soon discovered Galveston and would spend many weekends swimming and fishing there.
In her marriage Tammy’s ultimate joy in life were her two children, Chelsea and Jon. She was employed with the Baylor College of Medicine for 20 years in Cardio Pulmonary Research. Her co-workers soon became as family to her. Tammy was a good cook and enjoyed making treats for them and her children. In what little spare time Tammy had she embraced dancing again and her favorite song was “Dancing Queen”. Her favorite restaurant in Houston when she would enter always played Dancing Queen as she entered. Struggling health issues would again impact Tammy’s last years in life. Her ever-caring heart was designed to give from her want, not out of necessity. She will be remembered most as the “caring heart”. The wonderful people of Hospice Brazos Valley gave the best of the best compassionate care to Tammy. We wish to thank Hospice Brazos Valley for their kind and compassionate care. Any consideration of donations in memory of Tammy should go the Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 West 26th Street, Bryan Texas, 77803.
We hold in our hearts that Tammy’s love of dancing continues as she teaches the angels to dance; they teacher how to sing. Our loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend to many will be forever missed and loved.
Tammy is survived by her children Jon Reid III, Chelsea Reid; her parents Gene and Sharon Ort; her brothers, Randall Ort and Jeffrey Ort; her sister, Laura Oktayuren and husband Kaya, her loving nieces and nephews; and close friends.
Express condolences at CallawayJones.com
Very sad to hear of your loss. I pray for comfort and peace for your family during this time.
I worked with Tammy at Baylor College of Medicine from 1998 – 2010.
Tammy was a fighter. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy and prayers for the family.
Tammy worked with me at Baylor College of Medicine from 1995-1998. Although it was a relatively short time, I will never forget her. She was a positive force, very smart, fun, beautiful, with a real ‘can-do” attitude. And always up for a challenge!
My sincere condolences to her family and friends,
Mitzi Kuroda
Tammy and I met in 1988 at Baylor and became fast friends. She was very intelligent, funny and passionate about her relationships with her beloved children, extended family and friends. Although we lost touch over the years, I was lucky to have lunch with her a few months before she became ill. We went to the same restaurant we always went to in the 80’s (Houston’s) and dined on our favorite chicken salad, cheese bread and tea. It was as if no time had passed at all. I’m thankful I had the chance to know her and will never forget our friendship.
My condolences to her family.
Gina Hudson