Tamara Catherine Lautsch passed away at Lancaster General Hospital, Monday, February 16, 2009 in Lancaster as a result of complications of cancer.

She was born in Lancaster on, March 8, 1961, the daughter of LaRue Lautsch and the late Joseph M. Lautsch. She attended St. Anthony's School, and in 1979 was graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School, where she played on the field hockey team. Following high school, she attended Millersville State University, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration with emphasis in marketing in 1983.

At the time of her death, Tamara was employed at Lancaster General Hospital, in the aquatic rehabilitation services unit. She was previously employed at Brookshire Printing, and at Lebanon Valley College.

The youngest of eighteen grandchildren, Tamara had a special affinity for people of her parents and grandparents generation, developed during the summers of her childhood when she went on frequent long visits to her large extended family. She was dearly loved by all and was referred to as the "little one".

Tam loved dogs-in many different breeds, shapes, and sizes. A collector in a family of collectors, Tam made frequent trips to area flea markets and swap meets with her father in search of just the right thing. She was always partial to sheep figurines and memorabilia, and anything covered in flowers in the Victorian style.

In addition to her mother, Tamara is survived by a sister, Pamela Lautsch-Bowman, and her husband, James Bowman, of State College, and a nephew, Joseph J. Bowman, his wife Holly, also of State College.  Her dog, Ruffles, will miss cuddling close with her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Anthony of Padua Church in her memory at 501 East Orange Street Lancaster, PA  17602 or the Cancer Oncology Patient Care, Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center, 1800 East Park Avenue, State College, PA 16801.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 20, 2009 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church 501 East Orange Street Lancaster, PA  17602 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Daniel Mitzel as celebrant. Family and friends will be received Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz PA 17543 from 6-8 p.m. and again on Friday at the church from 10-11 a.m. The Rosary will be recited Thursday at the funeral home at 7:45 p.m. Interment will be at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. To send an online condolence or for more information please visit snyderfuneralhome.com