Tammy Michele Williamson

Tammy Michele Williamson

Tammy Michele Williamson passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho, after a long and courageous battle with a myriad of health issues that spanned more than 15 years. She was 65 years old.

Tammy was born on July 22, 1959, in Jackson, Michigan, to Carroll and Elizabeth Archer (Delbridge). She grew up in Michigan Center and attended high school in Jackson before transferring to an alternative school, where she became a young mother, welcoming her first daughter, Melanie, in 1974. In the 1980s, Tammy moved west to Idaho, where she would spend the next few decades living in Boise, Idaho City, and Garden Valley. There, she gave birth to two more children—Danielle in 1990, and Cole in 1998. In 2009, Tammy returned to her hometown of Jackson to be closer to her aging parents and family. In October 2023, she moved back to Boise one final time to be near Danielle, settling into a tiny home on her daughter and son-in-law’s property.

As a child, Tammy dreamed of becoming an architect. Though she took a different path, her eye for design and detail served her well in her work as a house painter and interior decorator. She specialized in wallpaper hanging, was a true perfectionist in her craft, and worked very hard to provide for her family.

Tammy loved the simple pleasures of life—treasure hunting at yard sales, going fishing, soaking in Idaho’s hot springs, and working in the yard with her plants and flowers. She enjoyed doing puzzles, watching movies and singing competition shows, and spending time with her dogs—especially her most recent companion, Kirby. At Christmas, she loved giving thoughtful gifts, and in 2024, she brought joy to everyone by dressing up as the Grinch while passing out pans of cinnamon rolls at Danielle’s café.

She loved music, and in the summer of 2023, she and Danielle took a road trip to Montana to see Pink in concert—an experience that will forever remain one of Danielle’s most cherished memories. Tammy had a special fondness for shopping at fruit stands, farmers markets, and Walgreens, and never passed up a good deal. Though she didn’t consider herself much of a cook, she made the best deviled eggs and loved to eat. She also loved frozen treats --- this summer, stop at a snow cone shack or ice cream parlor and treat yourself in her honor.

Tammy had a sensitive soul and a tender heart. She felt things deeply, loved fiercely, and found beauty in the little things—flowers, jewelry, nature, and the kindness of others. She was strong and tenacious, with a great sense of humor, and she always remained a bit wild at heart. She never truly “grew up,” and there was something magical in that. She gave generously of herself, even when she didn’t have much to give, and she never quite realized just how deeply she was loved by those around her. Tammy also faced private struggles with mental health throughout her life, and her strength in the face of those battles was remarkable.

Tammy is survived by her children: Melanie Pietroytys, Danielle Dore and her partner Ryan Stern, and Cole Cates; her brother, Dwayne Archer; her grandsons: Kodi, Anthony, and Brandon; and great-grandchildren: Gatlin, Tanner, and Tiann. She also leaves behind many beloved cousins, dear friends, and chosen family who held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by many loved ones, including her parents, Carroll and Elizabeth Archer; Danielle’s father, Dan Dore; Cole’s father, Dave Cates; and her treasured friend, Lolana Fontaign.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Cards and contributions to help with final expenses and Kirby's care may be mailed to Danielle Dore at 164 S. Cole Rd, Boise, ID 83709. Pictures for her memorial slideshow can be texted to 208-850-9570.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate nursing staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, who cared for Tammy with such grace and kindness in her final weeks.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.