Tamara “Tami” Mikell
Tamara J. (Wescott) Mikell died May 15, 2025, after a fourteen-year prolonged struggle with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 48 years old when she developed the disease.
Tami is survived by her husband, Frank; her 3 sons — Chandler Wescott (Jaci), Grayson Wescott (Alyssa), and Sutton Wescott; mother, Jerri Fisher; brother, Todd Fisher (Micaela); Frank’s 3 children–Morgan Mikell, Justin Mikell (Thao), and Taylor Mikell; eight grandchildren (Lyndon, Camden, Frankie, Micah, Declan, Emery, Quinn and Bella) ; niece (Addison) and nephew (J.T.) Her father, Jack Fisher, preceded her in death.
Tami was a driven and nurturing person. She was deeply loved as a wife, mother, friend and nurse. She had an illuminating smile, and heaven was reflected in her beautiful eyes.
Her professional career in nursing was broad. A graduate of St. John’s School of Nursing, she worked in St. John’s Hospital cardiac care and with Prairie Cardiovascular and the Prairie Heart Institute. She later transitioned to the health insurance field as a clinical case manager. She returned to St. John’s and worked in case management until the effects of Alzheimer’s ended her nursing career in 2014.She was active in the community and was a volunteer coach in Girls on the Run, Co-Chairperson for HSHS St. John’s Toast of the Town Foundation events, and a loyal parishioner of St. Agnes Catholic Church.
Faith, love for family and her friends guided Tami’s life. Her loving nature and active style of living created strong bonds and unforgettable memories for those of us fortunate enough to have shared her life. Her shortened time with us did not diminish her impact. She was the love of Frank’s life, a tender but strong mother for her sons, and a cherished friend. She filled our senses and enriched our lives.
It is hard to comprehend the devastating impact that a prolonged, degenerative brain disease like Alzheimer’s dementia has on a person who has previously enjoyed an active, intact life. Most aspects of that life cannot be sustained. The disease ultimately took Tami’s mind, memory, and physical functioning. It created prolonged suffering for her and her family, friends and caregivers. But Alzheimer’s did not destroy the impact that her beautiful smile, her gorgeous eyes and her little sense of mischief had on those around her, and it could not destroy her soul–a soul that was filled with God’s grace. And even in the darkest times, it could not destroy the incredible love that Tami’s life released in her family and friends, nor the caring harmony that she brought to our lives.
Rest now, Tami, in the gentle arms of God that hold you.
Private services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s College of Nursing.
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