On October 31, 2024, Tamara passed away peacefully following a brief stay at the Ottawa Hospital – General Campus and after her courageous battle with cancer. Beloved and devoted daughter of the late Maria (Schewtschenko, 2021) and late Vladymir (Walter, 2009).
Tamara was born in Liege, Belgium and the family emigrated to Canada in 1951 and settled in Sudbury, Ontario. Tamara was a determined, independent and intelligent woman. She studied at McGill University before heading to study law at the University of Ottawa where she graduated with her LLB in 1973. As one of only four women in her graduating class, Tamara was a pioneer in the world of law at a time when the profession was dominated by men. She was competitive, she had an acerbic wit and she spoke her mind. Tamara was not afraid of a good argument.
She started her early legal practice up in Cochrane, Ontario doing among other things real estate law. Then she joined the Department of Justice in Ottawa working on commercial transactions. Tamara worked on many ground breaking projects during her years at Justice and met so many of her life long friends while working on these projects and throughout her career. She was very dedicated to her profession and accomplished in her legal career receiving many accolades including her Queen’s Counsel appointment in 1989. She moved within the Department of Justice to working with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) eventually becoming General Counsel at CCC until her retirement.
Tamara loved to travel far and wide. Her travels allowed her to enjoy two of her other passions – shopping (always looking for a good deal but never sacrificing quality) and fine food and wine. At home, she loved to work in her garden and her green thumb made her garden a beautiful haven. She was passionate about cooking and was always trying a new recipe. She shared her wonderful culinary creations – hosting and attending dinners with friends. Tamara enjoyed her own company but her love of animals meant she was never alone, she cherished her faithful cat Max and then later Piper. Tamara was dedicated to her own pets and also to ensuring the well-being of animals generally through her generous donations to animal-related charities.
Tamara was passionate about life. When faced with her cancer diagnosis, she confronted it and continued to live life to its fullest and sadly we lost her too soon. We are fortunate that she accomplished so much in her life and that Tamara was laughing with friends, cooking and planning until just a few days before her passing. Truly remarkable. A special thank you to all of her friends who laughed and cried with her, who listened and who drove her to appointments and who were just there for her in life and in death. She appreciated each of you.
Tamara was a fierce advocate for causes she believed in, if you would like to make a donation in her honour please consider donating to: the Canadian Guide Dogs for Blind, Ovarian Cancer Canada or the Ottawa Hospital Foundation directed in particular to Ovarian Cancer Research.
A private burial service will be held. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Beechwood Cemetery.
Livre de visiteurs
Alex Jeglic
Jaime Moore
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with this incredible lady. She was a force to be reckoned with. Thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family at this time.
Jim Kightley
I was very saddened to hear of Tamara's passing. Tamara was a force of nature and an amazing person with whom to work. A no-nonsense approach and a heart of gold! I truly valued her help and support over the years at CCC and I am better for having known her. My thoughts and prayers are with all who mourn her loss.
Rob Garnett
Tamara was both a pleasure to work with and a pleasure to chat about life with. She was filled with great ideas and able to solve challenges in creative ways. I very much enjoyed the time we spent together and am saddened to hear about her passing.
Rob Garnett
Tamara was both a pleasure to work with and a pleasure to chat about life with. She was filled with great ideas and able to solve challenges in creative ways. I very much enjoyed the time we spent together and am saddened to hear about her passing.
Martin Zablocki
I enjoyed working with Tamara during her time at CCC. She was a brilliant, confident lawyer who could find creative solutions to very challenging problems. She had the best of intentions at heart in all of her decisions and was a tremendous colleague and leader. May she rest in peace.
Marc Whittingham
Tamara was an extremely special person. She was very intelligent and exercised her craft with dedication and determination. But perhaps most important was the ability to provide sound advice. Some of the most treasured memories are when she would say that she wanted to talk to me and her compassion would shine through.
Rosemary Kohr
I knew Tamara when she and my sister Margaret were at law school at Ottawa U. Indeed, as the 4 female law students in a not-very hospitable male-dominated program, they used their intellects, intelligence and solidarity to be trail-blazers in the profession. Tamara and my sister traveled together, and while their paths led them to different parts of the country, and I lost touch with her, I will always remember her 1000-watt smile, great laugh and commanding voice. A force, for sure!
Very sad to hear of her death. Ovarian cancer is a XXXXX. Friends, be proactive for your own health.
And let's raise a glass to toast this strong and energetic woman!
Marc Whittingham
Tamara was exceptional, she practiced her craft with dedication and determination. She was always willing to provide sound advice based on thorough analysis. But most importantly she would often take me aside for heartfelt and compassionate discussions; she just seemed to know when I needed those treasured chats. Rest in peace my colleague and my friend!
Mark Surch
I had the great pleasure of working with Tamara at CCC. I will admit that our first encounters were « difficult » but greatly improved after working together for a short while. She presented a very serious front but had the biggest heart and a much softer side shared with those fortunate enough to have proven their worth. Her wry sense of humour and smile will be sorely missed. The world has lost a truly exceptional person. Rest in peace Tamara!
Dear Tamara, thank you for your support and kindness. Having a friend to confide in when we were both dealing with an ailing parent was always appreciated. You had a soft side not shown to many but you let me see that side of you. Thank you sincerely and I will miss you.