Tammy Lee (Simmons) Karns

Tammy “Tam” Lee (Simmons) Karns, age 61, of Carlisle, and formerly of Churchtown, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.  Tam was born on Monday, October 2, 1961, in Carlisle to the late Paul Monroe Simmons and Gladys Marion (Beistline) Simmons.  In addition to her parents, Tam is preceded in death by her brother, Rocco Eugene Simmons.

Tam’s survivors include her son, Michael Karns and his partner, Monica Bohn, of Carlisle; her two daughters: Rebecca “Becca” Henry and her husband, Herbert “Herb”, of Carlisle; Rachael Karns of Carlisle; her five grandchildren: Callie Mae Karns, Liam Karns, Isaac Karns, Taylor Bohn, Jordan Bohn; her two great-granddaughters: Amarah and Ariyah; her sister, Marie Zeigler and her husband, Robert, of Boilings Springs; and several nieces and nephews.

Tam graduated from Cumberland Valley High School as part of the class of 1979.  She retired from PennDOT in Harrisburg, after years of service working as a legal assistant.  Tam was a member of Mechanicsburg First Church of God, where she was a member of the choir, the pianist and previously served as treasurer.  Tammy liked to play piano and enjoyed doing so for her church, was an avid fan of all things Disney and loved going to the Hamilton Restaurant in Carlisle; she went every Saturday since before her children were born.  More than anything else, Tam loved her grandchildren and she always put her family first.  She will be deeply missed.

All are welcome to join Tammy’s family at her celebration of life on Sunday, April 16, 2023 beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Mechanicsburg First Church of God, 28 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  Cremation was private.

Tam’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Tam’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.