Tamya Sue Isenberg

Tammy was born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 10, 1947. She was raised in Lincoln Park, Michigan, as the oldest child of Bob & Betty’s four children. From a young age, it was obvious that Tammy had a knack for caring for her siblings & a love of reading, which would spark her future career. Tammy graduated from Lincoln Park HS and then went on to Western Michigan University, where she earned her Bachelor of Liberal Arts in 3.5 years. She majored in English and earned her teacher credentials.

Tammy met her husband in the summer of 1966 while she was working as a lifeguard. They were married on June 8, 1968. They then spent brief periods of time in Kentucky, where Dennis attended college, and later in Denver, Colorado, while Dennis completed his Air Force training. After being stationed in Okinawa, Dennis eventually was stationed at Bergstrom AFB in Austin. It didn’t take long for them to fall in love with the city, and soon they would trade the snow & long winters for the sun & everlasting summers.

Tammy had a generous heart and always went out of her way to take care of others, whether through her cooking or just a welcoming ear. She was constantly donating to various groups and collecting items to help others in need. She never shied away from hard work and enjoyed working with difficult students. In fact, Tammy spent the entirety of her teaching career working at low-income/Title I schools because she believed in the value of education and that every child deserved a great education. Tammy loved learning from other cultures & in turn exposed her children to Indian pow wows, Chinese New Year, Black History Month, among other celebrations. It was her need to understand others that enabled her to become a beacon to those around her.

After 30 years of teaching, Tammy retired and was able to devote her time to being a member of the Pfriends at the Pflugerville Library. While there, she organized book sales, donations, greeted guests with her welcoming smile, and checked out books. She was a great multitasker and often had a book in hand while doing something else.

Tammy is survived by her husband Dennis and their three children, Chris, Erik, & Alexia. She is also survived by her three siblings: Rory Heckman of Rochester, Michigan; Darcy Middlemiss of Beulah, Michigan; and Kyle Heckman of Royal Oaks, Michigan. As well as her four grandchildren, Hendrix, Maverick, Nick, and Grace. Tammy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Betty Heckman of Lincoln Park, Michigan.

There will be a celebration of life program at the United Christian Church of Austin, 3500 W. Parmer Ln. on April 18th, 2026, at 2:00 PM.