Tamara M. Epstein

Tamara Lipping Epstein, a resilient and loving mother, educator, and lifelong learner, was born on July 8, 1926, in Tallinn, Estonia, to Harry Lipping and Gerda Müller Lipping.

 In the summer of 1941, amid the Communist invasion of the Baltic States, Tamara and her family fled Estonia and sought refuge in Germany. She completed her high school education in Hamburg in 1945. In 1947, she married an American soldier stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. Together they had three sons: William, Edwin, and Peter (who predeceased her in 2015).

 From 1965 to 1966, Tamara taught German to American soldiers at Fliegerhorstkaserne in Hanau, Hesse, a military housing base. In 1966, she immigrated to the United States, settling in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with her youngest son, Peter. She began her career in the U.S. as a quality control worker at the American Can Company, where she worked for two years.

 In 1968, Tamara began a long and dedicated career at Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD), where she worked until 1990. She started as a card-punch operator and was later promoted to personnel clerk. During her final 13 years at LEAD, she served as an electronics worker. In addition to her technical roles, she led the Head Start program and taught German to personnel preparing for overseas assignments.

 Demonstrating her deep commitment to education, Tamara enrolled at the University of Oklahoma in 1971 and earned her Bachelor of Liberal Science degree in 1975. She continued her studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg University, and Wilson College, ultimately achieving her teaching certification in 1990. 

Following her retirement from LEAD, Tamara continued to share her passion for language and learning as a part-time substitute German teacher for Chambersburg Area Senior High School and the Chambersburg Area School District. She retired from teaching in 1996.

 Even in retirement, Tamara remained active and engaged. She worked as a nanny for a local Chambersburg family and devoted many years to volunteering at Shook Home, where she compassionately assisted elderly residents well into her 80s—often serving individuals younger than herself.

 In her later years, Tamara cherished reconnecting with her sons and embraced modern technology, learning to use an iPhone and iPad—an impressive accomplishment that reflected her lifelong curiosity and adaptability. She remained independent until her final weeks. 

Tamara’s life was marked by perseverance, service, and a deep commitment to others. She was a blessing to many and will be dearly missed by her family, friends, students, and all who were fortunate to know her. 

Arrangements are entrusted to SimpleChoice Cremation Services Inc. of Chambersburg.  Online condolences may be expressed at:  www.simple-choicecremation.com.