Tamara Downes

Tamara Lee Downes (Stubbs), 53 years old, of Wilmington, DE, went peacefully and strong with the Lord surrounded by her loved ones on November 3rd, 2025. Born in 1972 in Newark, DE. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend to all.

In Tammy’s lifetime, she always said “good things come in 3’s and so do bad things”. She had 3 beautiful children and got to witness her favorite bragging right, 3 grandkids, come into this world. She had her best friend and husband by her side for 31 years of marriage. He was there through all of life’s trials and tribulations. In her final moments, he got to sing their wedding song to her, “I got you babe” by Sonny and Cher. As they both always said “we were just two goofy kids who fell in love and made a life”.

Always look for her in 3’s. The meaning of 333 means to be divinely protected and is often interpreted as a message from higher powers or guardian angels, urging you to listen to your intuition and trust the path you are on. It is also significant in the Bible, where it is linked to divine covenants like the one with Abraham and is the verse number of Jeremiah 33:3, which promises that God will answer those who call to Him. Tammy had a way with numbers and knew something was special about her 3’s.

She was a very fun and outspoken person who always had an answer for every question. She had a heart full of love and humor. She adored her yorkies, cooking, sunflowers, music of all genres, the colors pink and purple, wearing fun wigs, makeup, old movies, bird houses, Precious Moments figurines, the smell of cinnamon and apples, karaoke, and TikTok. She enjoyed swimming, long car rides on back roads with music, dancing around the house, sweet tea with an orange slice, Long Island iced teas with a splash of grenadine, mushrooms, olives, and Southern food. She was also very wise and witty, in tune with the universe, spiritually connected, and was a devout Catholic. Tammy’s spirit and silliness was evident to all who knew her.

Tammy was a Delcastle High School class of 1991 graduate. She was also a jack of all trades… she was a server in her younger years, a bank teller, a daycare teacher and owner, and at one point… a ghost hunter. Well in her own words, paranormal investigator. Yes, we can’t believe it either but it’s true. Above all and her favorite job ever, she was a mom and a homemaker. She made every house she stepped foot into ten times better. She was everyone’s “second mom” and made sure everyone ate. She loved sharing her recipes with all who sat at her table.

Although her time on Earth with us ended shortly, her life and legacy will live on forever. She was a fighter until the very end. The things she dealt with health wise go far beyond what anyone could ever imagine. She was a medical anomaly and deserves all of the commends and praise for her strength. She was chronically ill majority of her life but fought so hard every single day to stay. She truly created so much joy and life out of the things she was handed.

“Remember… live life to the fullest. Your destiny can all change in a split second.” – a quote from Tammy herself she posted on February 11th, 2024.

Tammy is survived by her loving husband, Brian Downes; her children, Michael Downes (Melinda), Angelica Barbuto (Dominic), Stephanie Downes (Eric); her grandchildren, Nicolas, Leo, and Milana; her fur-babies, Harley, Louie, Stella, Joey; and her many cousins and close relatives.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Catherine Stubbs; her mother in law, Teresa Gartside-Griego; her father in law, Robert Downes (Edith); and her brother in law, Robert Downes Jr.

She will be greatly missed and remembered by her many friends and family who she knew over her lifetime. Her family now has big shoes and a lot of personality to spread into the universe. Her grandchildren will miss her sweet words to them everyday. Her husband will miss his best friend, her loving heart and guidance. Her children will miss the person they called home. And her friends will miss her jokes and long messages to them. She will never be forgotten, and she will always be with us. Tammy said it herself to not fear this moment, but to celebrate, party, and remember her laughing. Her favorite relaxation song was “Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay” by Ottis Redding, enjoy that in moments of grief.

Until we meet in the Kingdom again one day, remember to make someone laugh or smile for Tammy.