Tammy Shields Wolanin, 62, Annapolis, Maryland left this world on June 29th, 2026, but her strong faith in God, and the love she had for her family and friends will last forever. She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, aunt, friend, companion, wife, and mother. Tammy’s kindness, selflessness, devotion and endless love will be the power she leaves behind to everyone who knew her. We will miss you always and love you forever.

Born on May 4th, 1964 in Red Bank, New Jersey, Tammy was the youngest of five children to Margaret Jayne (Golden) and John Joseph Shields. Tammy was raised in Turnersville, New Jersey, moving to Maryland in 1978, graduating from Severna Park High School in 1982, and graduating from Towson University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology.

Tammy enjoyed a successful career and was a strong advocate through compassionate partnership for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. She started as case manager at Service Coordination, Inc., working with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) where Tammy had a passion for helping her clients thrive by navigating resources to find housing, secure employment, connect with medical care, or support independent living. She became the Director of Supported Employment position at Opportunity Builders, Inc., Millersville, MD. She continued her passion to support youth and adults with disabilities and to experience full inclusion in their communities as they learn, work, and pursue their paths to personal success.

Tammy made a significant mid-life career change returning to McDaniel College, graduating in 2005 with a Master of Science in Special Education and accepting a position with Anne Arundel County Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher, High School Department Vocational Training Program at Ruth Parker Eason School, Millersville, Md. Tammy instantly fell in love with the staff, educators and most importantly students with significant learning differences and complex needs, helping each to achieve their fullest potential. Tammy worked tirelessly with love for 18 years to provide a positive educational environment that values everyone, honors the efforts and contributions of every stakeholder. Tammy was selected for the Educational Excellence Award, Northern Anne Arundel County, Chamber of Commerce in 2015. Tammy met and became friends with many outstanding professional educators and staff, working across the community of Ruth Parker Eason School to provide a safe, positive, and meaningful environment that enables all students to achieve personal excellence. She retired in June 2024.

Tammy’s greatest love was her husband Eugene (Gene), Wolanin married for 37 years and son (Matthew) Pasadena, Md. Tammy was preceded by her father (John), and sister (Celeste). Surviving are mother (Margaret) of Severna Park, Md, brother (Steven) of Sicklerville, NJ, sister (Julie) Ocala, Fl, and sister (Madeline) Manchester, NH along with many nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews and all her wonderful extended family and grand-dogs Mikey and Finnegan. Tammy loved her family very much, enjoyed traveling, reading mystery novels, movies, puzzles and art.

Tammy will be dearly missed by her family and they ask in lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation in her name for research of bone marrow failure problems like Tammy had, and efforts by her primary doctor who she worked with for the last 5 years of her illness.

Memorial contributions may be made by clicking the following link to the official Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Secure Giving form https://secure.jhu.edu/form/Kimmel To ensure your funds go directly to our work, select "Other" under the gift designation and type "Dr. Amy DeZern's Research" in the provided text field. to donate by mail, If you prefer to write a check please make it payable to Johns Hopkins University. In the memo line, write "Dr. Amy DeZern's Research" (and include an "in memory of Tammy Wolanin" note if you are donating as a tribute). Please mail your check to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center PO Box 17029, Baltimore, MD 21297-1029.

Family and friends may visit on Monday, July 13th, 2026, from 4PM – 7PM at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A., 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146. A funeral mass of remembrance and celebration will be held Tuesday, July 14th at 11AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD 21035.