Obituary

Tamara Jean Hanks Sagona was born January 24, 1944 in Burbank Ca and passed peacefully at her home in San Clemente surrounded by her loving family on the evening of December 23, 2023.

Tami was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2018 and continued to live a full life surrounded by her faithful family and devoted friends. Her forever love, and husband Ron, was not only always by her side, he was incredibly dedicated to keeping her life as full and meaningful as it was throughout their 53 years of life together.

Tami is survived by her devoted husband Ron, her two daughters Shan Crawford and Michele Jacobs, her three grandchildren Maya, Joe and Brody and her loving extended family.

Tami’s career began at CBS studios in the 1960’s and in true Tami form, she pretty much ran the studio. Everyone on the lot of course knew Tami. Her ability to organize, motivate and bring everyone together with her direct communication and candid thoughts was an asset that was valued by the people she worked closest with.

In 1969, after Ron returned from Vietnam they reconnected through her sister Sandy and his best friend Glenn and on Valentine’s Day, they had a date to Disneyland and they never spent a day apart since that time. They were married on May 29, 1970 and renewed their vows in true Sagona style on their 30th wedding anniversary at Graceland Chapel with “Elvis” as their officiant. You can probably hear Tami’s laughter as Elvis asked if she wanted to take Ron as her “Hunk-a Hunk-a Burnin’ Love”!

Tami took time away from her work to devote herself to raising her family. She was her girls’ biggest cheerleader and encouraged them in ways that still impact their lives today. She was PTA President for the girls’ schools, an active member of NCL Burbank and the epidomy of a “cruise director” when it came to planing a vacation for her family and 50 closest friends! She never missed one single detail in any of the adventures she spearheaded down to making sure there was always enough clam dip and wine coolers to go around.

As the girls became older, and busy with school, she worked at Burbank High School in the Career Center as an ROTC technician. Reentering the work world at Burbank High was a perfect fit for Tami, who loved to be close to her girls, their friends and her community; all the while having the ability to help students find their next chapter. Once the girls moved away to College, Tami found great fulfillment in being the office manager at Monterey High School where she impacted the lives of so many students. She was able to enjoy this time while working side by side with her beloved sister-in-law Donna Sagona Salant.

Tami was the love of Ron’s life and he did everything he could to make her life the best it could ever be. After her diagnosis, he was devastated, but determined to give her the best care possible. He sought out any and every experimental and medical opportunity to extend her life and find a cure for her disease. This was most incredible labor of love to be a part of. His love for Tami is unparalleled.

Tami loved gin rummy, lake vacations on the boat, motorhome trips, their beach house in San Clemente, trips to Hawaii and any cruise that came her way. She lit up any room she walked into! She was a beautiful, vivacious spit fire, had the most incredible smile and a contagious love for life. She never missed out on a good time and was the best guest a party could hope for! You always knew where you stood with Tami and she loved those who loved her and her family with such passion.

In love and celebration for the beautiful life of Tami, raise a glass of White Zinfandel (with a side of ice) and live life each day to its very fullest.

The celebrations of Tami’s life will be held on January 20th at 2:00pm at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, 92653. A reception will follow at La Ventura Event Center, 2316 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 92672.