Phyllis Jean Tammaro, 73, School Teacher

She was born Oct. 17, 1936 in Lorain and had resided in Amherst since 1960.

Jean graduated from Lorain High School in 1954 and attended Kent State University where she received her Bachelor Degree of Education.

She worked in the Amherst School System teaching the first grade at Harris Elementary and Powers Elementary Schools for over 40 years retiring in 2004.

Jean, a devoted wife and mother, loved nothing more than having all of her “kids” home with her at the holidays. Hundreds of Amherst school children knew Jean as “Mrs. Tammaro”. She spent most of her career as a first grade teacher known for her dedication to her students as well as her sense of humor and sense of style. Outside of school, she enjoyed her monthly club meetings with “the girls” (her close friends since elementary school). She was an avid Cleveland sports fan, loved reading and teaching others to read, and sitting poolside in the summertime. She gave generously both of her time and gifts to family, friends and charities. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amherst.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years Joseph Tammaro, children Tina Tammaro of Cincinnati, Chip Nicholson of Hollywood, Florida and Marianne Richardson of Columbus, grandchild Neko Moore of Cincinnati, sister Susan Rigo of Lorain and sister-in-law Doris Sipos of Lorain.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Mary Sipos (nee Popovich) and brothers Raymond and Richard Sipos.

The family will receive friends Sunday 4 - 8 p.m. at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. A mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Dr., Amherst. The Rev. James Mazanec, associate pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst Township.

Memorial contributions can be made to New Life Hospice, 3700 Kolbe Rd., Lorain, OH. 44053.

Online condolences may be made at www.gluvna.net.