Tammy Eilene Pagano

Tammy Eileen Pagano age 66, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

Tammy was born on October 21, 1958, in Carpinteria, California, to Frank Pagano and Joyce Puita. She spent most of her life in California before moving to Sikeston in 2023 to be closer to her children. Tammy was full of life and always ready for an adventure. She loved riding her motorcycle, searching for beach glass along the shore, making crafts, flying kites, shopping, and camping. But above all, she cherished taking care of her family. Though she faced struggles in life, she had a kind and loving heart, and her greatest joy was the time she spent with those she loved.

She is survived by her father, Frank Pagano of Eureka, California with whom she dearly loved, her children, Christopher William Patterson, Ashley Eilene Gilliam, and Paige Courtney Patterson. Tammy's whole world revolved around her children, and she always did her best to make sure that they knew they were loved and supported. She was selfless when it came to them. She is also survived by their father William Joseph Patterson. Tammy and Bill were married for 35 years, later choosing to part ways yet they remained close friends always having a special place for each other in their hearts. Life chose a different path for Tammy which would lead to a man named Mike Valenzuela, Mike and Tammy loved doing many fun things together like going camping at Foster Park and to the beach at night to search for beach glass with a black light, both so happy whenever they came upon a piece of uranium glass. Their tradition though, was to go to the Saturday store where they would find all sorts of unique items to bring home. Most of all they loved each other. Her cherished grandchildren, Seth William Holland, the eldest of her grandbabies, the one and only Kaydence Eilene Holland, and her sassy youngest Lily Paige Gilliam, she loved all three of her grandbabies and cherished every minute she had getting to know them. Tammy also leaves behind her beloved siblings, her big brother Mark Edward Pagano, big sister, Si-Si Pagano, baby sisters Denise Wear, and Sherry Werber with whom all she deeply loved and had such gratitude towards as they filled her life with all the best memories and gave her many more to love in all her nieces and nephews. Each having their own special relationship with one another and sharing many holiday family dinners.

Tammy was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Puita, who Tammy missed more than anything in the world and was also the most amazing and special Matriarch of the family as well as her youngest brother, Dougal Freeman, the light and laughter of the family. May they be together again

She wanted this song to be played in her memory:
The Moody Blues
Nights in White Satin

Nights in white satin
Never reaching the end
Letters I've written
Never meaning to send
Beauty I'd always missed
With these eyes before
Just what the truth is
I can't say anymore
'Cause I love you
Yes, I love you
Oh, how I love you
Gazing at people
Some hand in hand
Just what I'm going through
They can't understand
Some try to tell me
Thoughts they cannot defend
Just what you want to be
You will be in the end
And I love you
Yes, I love you
Oh, how I love you
Oh, how I love you
Nights in white satin
Never reaching the end
Letters I've written
Never meaning to send
Beauty I've always missed
With these eyes before
Just what the truth is
I can't say anymore
'Cause I love you
Yes, I love you
Oh, how I love you
Oh, how I love you
'Cause I love you
Yes, I love you
Oh, how I love you
Oh, how I love you

*"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."* – Matthew 11:28

Tammy's journey was not always easy, but she was deeply loved, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her laughter, her adventurous spirit, and the love she had for her family will never be forgotten.

The family is planning a celebration of life at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston, Missouri.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com