Tamara M. Michalska

Tamara “Tam” Michalska, age 99, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of strength, intelligence, and compassion.

Born in Poland in 1925 to Michael and Olga Czyzck, Tamara earned the equivalent of a Master’s Degree in Engineering, specializing in thermodynamics and mathematics. Her brilliant mind and multilingual talents led her to a distinguished career as an engineering consultant, where she traveled widely to assist with technical translations in Russian, German, and Polish. Her gift for languages extended into her humanitarian work, supporting Russian orphans and exchange students through her church.

Tamara’s journey eventually brought her to Buffalo, New York, and later Toledo, Ohio, where a passion for education and excellence led her to graduate Cum Laude from the University of Tole

do’s College of Arts and Sciences. She was deeply committed to mastering the English language, especially after her parents emigrated to the United States.

Tam was known for her gentle, warm, gracious spirit—always sweet, friendly, and endlessly caring. To those who knew her, she was truly considered an angel. Her kindness radiated through every community she touched, especially the Christian Science Church of Maumee and Five Lakes Church.

A lover of nature and photography, Tam traveled extensively both during her career and long into her retirement. She spent hours capturing the beauty of wildlife and landscapes in National Parks across the country. Her lifelong love of animals began in childhood and continued through with her treasured poodle, Rudy.

Tam was also a talented seamstress who made her own clothing. She took great pride in her gardening and landscaping at home. Tam loved to entertain people in her home and enjoyed making dinners for everyone.

Tam met her dearest friend and companion, Jack Lykes, in photography classes—a partnership filled with adventure and discourse. Their first trip together to the Smoky Mountains was marked by her daring spirit, hopping from a barely stopped vehicle to photograph a bear who happened to be protecting her cubs. Their shared love for music brought harmony to their lives—Tam’s heart belonged to classical melodies, though she humorously “tolerated” Jack’s taste for jazz.

Resilient through life’s hardships, Tam never let adversity dull her joy. She walked 2–3 miles a day well into her 90s, with Rudy and Jack by her side. Her grace and strength served as an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Tamara is survived by her beloved companion, Jack Lykes, and many cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her young son in Poland, parents, and her loyal Rudy.

A Celebration of Life for Tamara will be held at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tamara’s memory to the Toledo Symphony, or the Christian Science Church of Maumee—organizations that reflect her enduring love for music, faith, and beauty.