FRIENDSHIP — Tammy A. McAlister, 47, a bright light in this world, was extinguished too soon on April 25, 2017, with her son at her side and leaving all that knew her with saddened hearts.

Born in Rockland on Sept. 9, 1969, she was the daughter of Lloyd and Doreen King Moore. She grew up in Warren, attending local schools, graduating from Medomak Valley High School, class of 1987. While in high school Tammy worked at The Tradewinds and Mic Mac Market. She was later employed more than 10 years as a cook with CCAP Head Start.

Following high school, Tammy married Wesley D. McAlister in Warren, where they made their home their entire married life. In her early years, Tammy enjoyed bowling on weekly leagues at Oakland Park Bowling Lanes.

Tammy had a bright smile that spread to her eyes, which sparkled with delight. She loved people, and loved to laugh. This made her perfectly suited for her occupation as a waitress. For over 14 years she was a staple at the Brass Compass in Rockland where she made many friends and loyal customers. Most recently Tammy had been employed at Riverside Market, Maritime Farms in South Thomaston. There she continued making friends, and was a smiling face behind the counter.

Tammy was adventurous, completely unafraid to explore or try new things. She was always up for a trip, and loved accompanying her son to California, her friends to Las Vegas, and especially traveling with her friend, Lynn Archer. Together they enjoyed trips to the Caribbean, Mexico, Italy, Istanbul, Turkey and even riding down a 1,000-foot zip line, 700 feet above the jungle in Honduras. Shopping was Tammy's passion and she looked forward to annual shopping trips to New York City. She had an eye for fashion and beauty and loved buying clothes and decorating her home. She was crafty and artistic and loved completing craft projects

She had a special place in her heart for her 'fur-babies' and treated them like her own children. Her dogs, Buddy, Roxie, Ortiz, Dodge and recently Jango were spoiled on a daily basis. She even had room for one cat, Poopsie.

Tammy had a huge heart and loved unconditionally. The greatest love of her life was her son, Wes. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for him. After the untimely death of his father, Tammy worked tirelessly to help him through school, ensuring he got into college and was his biggest fan, cheerleader, and supporter. Her love didn't stop there; her home was always open to his friends, cooking them meals, giving them a place to stay and a listening ear. She was a second mother to countless people. Wes remembered fondly that his mom even liked to 'try' to go golfing with him. She knew he loved it, so she went right along with him.

Tammy will be sadly missed by all who were lucky enough to get to know her.

Predeceased by her father, Lloyd Moore; her husband, Wesley McAlister; her uncle, Martin King; and her aunt, Shirley Wyllie; Tammy is survived by her mother, Doreen Moore of Warren; her son, Wesley D. McAlister II of Thomaston; her mother-in-law, Claudia Welch; her uncles and aunts, Eugene and Jean King of Warren, Paul and Deborah King of Union, George King of Warren, and Rose Roy of Augusta; three special cousins who called her “Rootski,” Melissa Tenny, Rhonda Harman and Holly Leighton, and special cousins Lisa Wyllie of Warren and David Wyllie of California; her special friends, Myra Haskell of Vinalhaven and Lynn Archer of Warren; her Brass Compass family; as well as many other cousins; and too many friends to count.

A service of love and remembrance will be held Wednesday, May 3, at 5 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A reception will follow immediately at 104 Limerock, adjacent to the funeral home.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Tammy McAlister Memorial Fund, (checks made payable to Wesley D. McAlister II) c/o Camden National Bank, P.O. Box 880, Rockland, ME 04841.