Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Tammy L. Shahandeh, age 66.  She passed peacefully at her home in Lee’s Summit, MO on May 24th, 2025, surrounded by family and her favorite music. Tammy fought and lost a very short battle with lung cancer. She is survived by a loving and lucky/dedicated husband of 36 years, Shahdad Shahandeh. He fought beside her through 3 battles with cancer: first in 1996 with leukemia, second in 2017 with breast cancer and last in 2025 with lung cancer. At the end Tammy shared that God had answered her prayers despite the hard news. During her battle with leukemia, she asked God to live long enough to see her children grow and experience the joy of grandchildren. Her heart was full of love for God, a passion for serving others and trust in God’s plan for her life. The kindness, love, laughter and light she shared with all she met was truly something special.

Tammy made her entrance to this world in Caldwell, KS in the biggest snow storm since 1886. She always loved a grand entrance. Tammy grew up in a farming community in southern Kansas, attending several schools throughout her childhood. She attended Wellington High School into her junior year until a teacher insisted she could force Tammy to do an assignment because she held the power.  Tammy often recounted the story of how she won the standoff and acquired her GED at 16. Tammy’s teacher must have overlooked her strong will, grit and determination.

She became a wife, then mother to her first two children Abby and Chris. In 1977 Tammy moved from Wellington, Kansas to the Kansas City area and shortly thereafter became a single mom. In November of 1986, Tammy went on a very successful blind date with Shahdad Shahandeh. So successful that it led to marriage, a very large extended family (too many to count), two more sons, a series of very loved pets and 8 grandchildren.

Tammy found success in her work life through hard work, curiosity and determination. Tammy was a medical consultant for a medical software company, office manager for a group of doctors, and co-founded a medical coding institute.  Later in life, Tammy was blessed to pursue her passion and found fulfillment serving others. She volunteered her coding services for Mercy and Truth Medical Missions KC as served at the Abundant Life food pantry.

Trying to capture Tammy’s spirit is like trying to catch a rainbow. Hakuna Matata was her favorite quote that really speaks to her energy. She could make a trip to Lowes feel like an adventure. She loved being a mom and grandma. Her grandkids were never spoiled because she insisted that wasn’t possible. She loved gardening, eating Mexican food, listening to music, karaoking, Kohl’s 30% off coupons, extreme crafting, watching reality survival shows, traveling, cooking and flamingos. Fan favorites include her homemade mashed potatoes and ham gravy, deviled eggs and chocolate sheet cake. She loved plants and encouraged others to love them as much as she did. Going to a garden center with Tammy meant everyone leaves with more plants than planned. The flamingo wars began in the start of 2020 when she told her sister she found them obnoxious. Linda then began to hide and surprise Tammy with these “obnoxious birds”. Tammy always matched energy and the flamingo wars continue to this day. Over time, family members have been recruited and even the children have joined the fight. Tammy came to love nature’s pink divas. Just like the flamingo, Tammy was vibrant and was made to stand out.

Tammy shared her love for Christ with her words and actions as she moved through this world. She reminded us that God changes our “I have to’s” to “I get to”. She reminded us to live life authentically, as you were made, without fear, full of love, in service to God and last, never forget to accessorize.

Tammy was preceded in death by parents Lake Edward and Bessie Winefred Shore. Survivors include husband: Shahdad Shahandeh (61); daughter Abby Ellison (48); sons: Christopher Brandon (45), Aaron Shahandeh (35) and Andrew Shahandeh(30): brother Danny Shore (83), sister: Linda Shore Hensley (74); 8 grandkids, 3 nieces, 2 nephews, and 10 great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers you can make donations in Tammy’s honor to the Abundant Life Food Pantry. https://livingproof.co/get-involved/outreach/food-pantry/