Obituary of Tammy Marie VanWinkle

Tammy Marie VanWinkle  January 3, 1961 – May 10, 2025

Tammy Marie VanWinkle, 64, of Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025 after a long illness.  Born on January 3, 1961, to Carl and Nancy Bernstine Sr., Tammy was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Tammy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gerald VanWinkle, in 2009; her parents, Carl and Nancy; her stepmother, Ann Marie; her brother, Carl “Johnny” Bernstine Jr., and her grandson, Owen. 

She is survived by her devoted children: son, Paul Padoleski and his wife Laura; and daughters, Kara French, Jessica (Justin) VanWinkle, and Amy (Jeff) Ocasio.  Known affectionately as “Nana,” Tammy cherished her 10 grandchildren - Eli, Kirsten, Sara, Delia, David, AJ, Amber, Owen, JJ, and Audrey - and 6 great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life.  She also leaves behind many beloved cousins and extended family members who will forever remember her warmth, laughter, and strength.

Tammy was a woman of quiet resilience, faith and deep love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those she loved most.

A celebration of Tammy’s life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 beginning with visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., 735 East Avenue, Hilton, NY 14468, and followed by Tammy's Memorial Service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hilton High School Theatre program, 400 East Avenue, Hilton, NY in honor of Tammy’s memory.