Tamara "Tammy" Leister

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Tamara (“Tammy”) Von Leister, age 69, of Quakertown, passed away on May 5, 2022, at her home, surrounded by family. She was the loving wife of John Stephan Leister, with whom she would have shared 40 years of marriage in July. Tammy was born in Dover, PA on December 20, 1952. She is the daughter of the late Ralph S. and Mazie E. (Weaver) Zinn.

The love of nature was in her DNA! After graduating from Dover Area High School, Tammy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Messiah College and her Master’s in Environmental Education from Beaver College. Teaching was Tammy’s calling. She challenged and sparked curiosity within her Biology students in the Pennridge School District for nearly 30 years.

A woman of faith, Tammy had a gentle spirit, a welcoming smile, and a genuine interest in those around her. She always made time to lend an ear and was a natural conversationalist. She was most animated when discussing science with friends, family, and anyone in earshot. She truly had an awe for natural life, and an appreciation for everything in it.

She loved to dance. From shows at Sellersville Theater to gigs at Bethlehem Steel Stacks, she never missed an opportunity to join in on the fun—especially during a Sting song. She loved to travel around Europe and the Carolina beaches. Wrightsville Beach, Topsail Island, and Hilton Head Island were some of her favorite places and where she often strolled collecting shells and seastones. She was incredibly artistic. Her scenic oil paintings, pine needle baskets, red clay pottery, and needle craft work are focal points around her home, and make a lasting tribute to her keen eye for beauty.

Tammy touched so many lives with her love, thoughtfulness, and generosity—gifts that were most evident in the warm home she created not just for her family, but for anyone who came to her doorstep. She will be fondly remembered by countless friends of her children, for whom her home was a place of late nights, long laughter, and great comfort.

Tammy was a wonderful role model of inner strength. We miss you already, Mama Bear, and you’ll forever be in our hearts.

Surviving along with her husband are her children: Elizabeth Von Leister and son-in-law William Brown of London, England; Adam Stephan Leister and partner Jana Vandervee of Sydney, Australia; Jacob Zinn Leister and partner Natalie Herbert of Menlo Park, CA; her sister Donna Waugh of Dover, PA; and niece, nephews, and grandnieces.

You are invited to celebrate Tammy’s life on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. Her memorial service will begin at 12pm, with visiting hours beginning at 11am. Interment will be with family in Dover, PA.

Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service of Quakertown (215-536-3343). To view her online obituary please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

In lieu of flowers, please offer any donations to Nockamixon State Park (215-529-7300): PPFF Environmental Education, Nockamixon State Park, 1542 Mountainview Drive, Quakertown, PA 18951.