Tamara Dee Hicks-Syron, a beloved wife, sister, aunt, musician, teacher, and friend to all, ended her courageous journey on earth October 28, 2024, at the age of 64. Born on February 23, 1960, to Frederick and Delight (McLaughin) Hicks, in Marshall, MI. Tamara grew up in Marshall, where her dad was an Engineer at Ronan and Kunzel, and her mom provided daycare. Tamara graduated from Marshall High School in 1978, then from Michigan State University in 1983 with an Instrumental and Vocal Music Education Degree and was a Sigma Alpha Iota sorority member.  She was a former music teacher at Bellevue Elementary School, counselor, lifeguard, health director, and violin teacher at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and a professional Soprano and Violinist, and an employee of Michigan State University for over 32 years.  She spent her life sharing her vibrant spirit and many talents with everyone she met. She married John Syron, the love of her life, on September 3, 1994 in Marshall, Michigan. They built a life together in Lansing, Michigan, for 19 years until John passed from cancer in 2013.

Tamara was a gifted musician with an enduring love of the arts, having been a lifelong supporter and participant of theater, music, and the arts. As a Violinist, she was a member of numerous orchestras and performed as The Fiddler on the Roof countless times.  She was also a dedicated choir member and participated in numerous musical ensembles, sharing her talents with her community and the world, performing all over Europe, and a yearly tradition of singing the National Anthem at a Lansing Lugnuts game.

A proud Spartan Alumni and employee, Tamara had a deep connection to Michigan State University. She often said that her trip to the Rose Bowl with her family was one of her favorite memories, celebrating a Spartan win in California on New Year's Day, 2014.

She was also known for her endless knowledge of facts, affectionately known to her family as “Tammy Trivia”, she was unbeatable at trivia and a lively presence at any gathering.  She cherished the friendships and camaraderie of her Widows Group, Saturday Theatre group, Facebook groups, and enjoyed the fellowship of her neighbors during “Spin Class”, and her daily visits to her Foster Coffee family.

Tamara’s deep faith in God was central to her life, guiding her in her actions and relationships. As an active church member, she was involved in the Flower Guild, choir member, and consistently embodied compassion, kindness, and dedication through service. Her spirituality was a source of strength and peace that radiated to those around her, and she deepened her knowledge of religion by studying at the University of the South.

Tamara’s enthusiasm for life was contagious. She was a loyal friend to many and could talk to anyone with ease. Her humor and warmth created a welcoming space wherever she went. She cherished the annual holiday celebrations at her brother’s home, gathering with family and loved ones in joyful holiday traditions.

Among her many passions were her love of animals, travel, coffee, Turner Classic Movies, books, and her dedication to preserving family history. Her life was filled with love and laughter, and she leaves behind a legacy of joy, music, and a deep commitment to faith, family, community, and animal rescue.

She is survived by her brother, Todd Hicks (Carolle) of Albion; her nephew, Jonathan Hicks (Kaylie) of Dewitt; niece Kelsie Spohn (Tyler) of Grand Ledge; her precious great-niece; brother in-laws Daniel (Helen) Syron of Burlington,VT; David Syron of Davis, CA; and nephew William Syron of CT, and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Syron; her parents, Frederick and Delight Hicks; her brother, Curtis Hicks; and her beloved beagles, Linus, Max, Heidi, Satchmo, Abbey, and Elvis.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Rd., East Lansing, MI, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor to.

 - Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906

 - All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823

 - Oaklawn Hospice, 13444 Preston Drive, Marshall, MI 49068

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