There have been lots of stories and memories shared these past couple of weeks that have focused on Tami as a teacher, I would like to take just a few moments to talk about Tami as a friend. 

Over the past couple of months I have been thinking about the many things Tami and I would do together and I realized a lot of my outside of school memories with Tami involve having a “proper cocktail”---as she would call it.  If we’d go out for drinks, I would always be ready to order the same cocktail, but Tami would look over the cocktail menu looking for a new drink or something different to try out. She would ask for recommendations from the wait staff before she made her decision----she was even a life-long learner when it came to her cocktails!!

One of the best pieces of advice Tami ever gave me was how to make a “bag-a-rita”----it is a frozen margarita in a Ziploc bag. The recipe for this drink is kind of like Tami’s recipe for living life……

First you start with a large Ziploc bag & to know Tami is to know her love of the Ziploc bag.  I think if she could have she would have put her students in a Ziploc bag.  Into this bag you put two cans of limeade……by itself a little tart tasting…but then you add 2 cans of water and the mixture gets mellowed out.  That was Tami—her voice of reason and her quick wit would balance out any situation. Next you put in ½ can of Cointreau to sweeten the mix….which for Tami, who was not a big sweets person, that was just enough.  Often when we were at Starbucks and the barista would ask if she wanted sweetener, her response would be “no, I don’t need it, I’m sweet enough.”  The most important ingredient was to add one can of GOOD tequila----Tami was never one to go cheap or for a knock off— (we have all seen her boot collection) but she could do that because as a person and as a friend she wasn’t a knock off - she was the real deal.  Then you mix it all together and put it in the freezer and wait for it to freeze…

As a colleague, Tami was someone who you could go to for advice about anything and she would meet you where you were at.  She had strong opinions about certain things but she would never impose them on you….she would listen to what you needed and then coach you so that you could find your way to the solution. 

She also ALWAYS anticipated something you might need.  If you needed a certain book, chances are good Tami would have it in her library.  If you were struggling with what to do next with a student, she would have a simple made solution for you.

One day I was walking with my kids to PE and a student asked why I had a large hole in my pants (needless to say I didn’t know I had the hole in my pants)…so I sent a kid to the office to get safety pins and even as the kid was walking out the door, I knew---Tami will have them & sure enough she saved the day.

I feel safe in making the claim that Tami was probably one of the best or maybe even the best teacher in the district.  Even more important was the fact that as good of a teacher that she was she was an even better person and friend.  Earlier this week I made a batch of the bag-a-rita and tonight when I go home I will toast the amazing teacher, the amazing sister, the amazing daughter and most important to me, the amazing friend that Tami was. She will be missed.


Molly Johnson

We were sisters, best friends and soulmates.

I liked to tell people we were twins, separated by two years. I feel so fortunate to have had her in my life for 49 years. Some people search their whole life to find a partner - we were the lucky ones!

I was honored to take care of her these past three months, to love her and spend time with her. She died as she lived - privately, full of grace and with that beautiful smile on her face! She was quick to make a joke and make me laugh through all of my tears. I’m not sure who was taking care of whom those last few months, but somehow we did it together.

For all the lives she has touched - and there were many, she would want this: for people to be kind, to love and to never stop learning.

I loved her with all of my heart and will miss her forever.

Tami’s little sister - Kristen

Tamara Ann Schilling was born and raised in Los Altos, California. Parents David (Ashland, Oregon) and Jacqueline (deceased), brother Guy (Santa Cruz, California) and sister Kristen (Ashland, Oregon).

Tami attended St. Simon Elementary, St. Francis High School and her beloved UC Santa Barbara for her undergrad degree. She received her teaching credential and her Masters at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California.

Tami was always an active being - a gifted athlete from an early age. Playing on the boy's Little League Baseball team, college and club soccer, hiking, biking and spending time outdoors. She loved music, travel, photography, a cute outfit and just hanging out! 

She was kind and generous. She loved good company and good conversation. Tami's profession was teaching and she loved it, but her true passion was learning. She never stopped learning and growing, and becoming a better Tami!

Tami passed away quietly at 10:41am on Thursday, September 17th, 2015 at her home in Half Moon Bay with her devoted sister by her side. She will be forever missed.

Ms. Tami Schilling taught 1st grade at Fox School since 1989. During that time she made a difference in so many lives, young and old. In addition to being an outstanding teacher, she was also an influential guide for parents and a trusted leader among her peers. 

Tami's love for kids was evident in the way she taught. She only saw the good and potential in each one of "her kids" and she believed that each and every child was capable of reaching that potential. She understood that students needed boundaries and structure, but within those borders they also needed someone to help them, trust them, and believe in them. She taught students to see mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. She led students through subject matter while simultaneously growing their self-confidence and love for learning.  Her love for each one of her kids was genuine and deep. 

During Tami's time at Fox, she actually worked with twice as many parents as students. Whenever parents came to her with concerns or questions, she was always willing to help. She was easy to talk to, she listened with her heart, and she was extremely smart, which usually translated into very good advice.  Her message was always, "We are working together; I will do whatever needs to be done to help and I love your kid." 

Tami Schilling was leader among her coworkers. She was a resource for anyone who needed teaching advice and a voice of reason for all other problems. She would speak up if she felt we could do better or do more for children. She was always stretching herself and learning, which rubbed off on those who worked with her. She made you want to be a better teacher and person. 

Written words can never completely explain how important Tami was to this community and how beloved she was by all who knew her. She made a genuine difference in so many lives and will be sorely missed by all. 

Regretfully, Chris Marchetti
Principal, Fox Elementary School