Tanya loved her friends: 

To know Tanya Herrold was to know true kindness, grace, patience and LOVE embodied in human form. Tanya lived an entire life of service to her family, friends, and community. 

Tanya loved fiercely and powerfully. The thought of never hearing her infectious laugh, seeing her bright smile and receiving her famous “Tanya hugs” breaks our hearts. Tanya was a fighter for all things to be right in this world and passionate about achieving her goals and supporting those around her in supporting theirs. She was often the rainbow in life’s storms.

Tanya’s love for her friends extended into the communities she lived in. She served with the Organ Procurement Organization in New York, orchestrating fundraising initiatives, and public education efforts. She also chaired Ayanna’s cheerleading booster club, channeling her energy into fundraising endeavors for competitive cheerleading programs. She was a member of Sunset HOG and was proud to serve as a board member for the SGT Watts Veterans Foundation. She was trained in Trauma Informed Care, using her skills to help individuals in need of assistance during times of grief.  She was deeply committed to leveraging her diverse skill set to provide unwavering support to those in need around her. 

Tanya loved being a nurse: 

Tanya achieved her dream of becoming a registered nurse, starting her career in Rochester, NY.  In 2019, Tanya became a travel nurse, serving in Iowa, and, during the height of COVID, New York City.  She admitted it was scary, but knew she was needed there and never backed down.  She later went on to nursing assignments in Massachusetts and Oregon.  It was at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland that she found her “forever nurse family” and chose to remain in Oregon, steadfast in her dedication to healthcare.   

Tanya joined OHSU as the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit Specialty Practice Leader, and had a passion for critical care nursing that was evident in every task she undertook. She will be remembered for her leadership in the CVICU, her ability to mentor and inspire her colleagues, and her passion for delivering the safest and highest quality patient care. She made many friends along the way through her lighthearted approach to such serious work.  Tanya touched many lives at OHSU and beyond. 

Tanya loved her family: 

EVERYONE was family to Tanya.  But no family was as important as the love of her life, husband Billy, and her other love, daughter Ayanna.  Everything Tanya did was  to ensure Billy and Ayanna were healthy and happy.  And she would never let us forget her furry family members—Lexie, Little Richard, and Moody.  They will miss her snuggles terribly. 

While we cannot give Billy and Ayanna their rock back, we can be a rock for them financially. Please consider contributing to allow them time to grieve their loss and help provide financial stability as they navigate this path forward without Tanya. 

Thank you for loving Tanya and thank you for any help you can offer Billy, Ayanna, Lexie, Little Richard, and Moody.