Tama Elizabeth Cuddeback Rowan

Tama Elizabeth Cuddeback Rowan passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends, on March 6, 2024. She was born in Eugene, Oregon, December 9, 1959 and enjoyed many years of travel, teaching and musical adventures before succumbing to cancer.

For four decades Tama taught and enjoyed directing and working with children.  Many of her former students, choir members, and actors have followed her lead into those professions.  Her career began at Eugene Montessori school as a music teacher.  Twenty years later, she moved on to Gilham Elementary School, followed by 19 more years at Mt. Vernon Elementary as a music specialist.  She was a phenomenal classroom teacher, encouraging children to love and appreciate music as much as she did.  Her colleagues, students and their families will remember her best for the musical programs she produced, extravaganzas uncommon in many schools today, involving whole grade levels at a time.  

Tama was renowned as a pianist and accompanist, sought after in the musical and theater communities in Eugene.  Beginning with Song and Dance Troupe at the University of Oregon, she also served as accompanist for Actor’s Cabaret, Very Little Theater, Rose Children’s Theater and Oregon Children’s Choir.  At First United Methodist Church, she worked as a pianist and music director. From there, she branched out into music theater, directing children and adults in shows and pageants at FUMC, Rose Children’s Theater, and Mt. Vernon programs. Tama’s work as a director brought joy and confidence to thousands of children over her 42 year career.

Tama had other musical and athletic successes as well. She played in a local steel drum band, Steel Magnolias, accompanied hundreds of children at recitals, and performed for parties and special events.  She was an exceptional swimmer, first as a teen, and later at the University of Oregon, going to Nationals many times and qualifying for the 1980 Olympic Trials. Tama’s record of commitment and accomplishment led to her earning the Becky Sisley Award for her contributions to the University of Oregon and the Eugene community.

But she would say her greatest happiness lay in her granddaughters, Eleanora and Adelaide here in Oregon, and most recently, Lennox, born last month in Battle Creek, Michigan. Nothing made her happier than taking her grand-babies to Disneyland or to the beach. 

Tama is survived by her husband Kevin, daughter Carly and son-in-law Ben Howe of McMinnville, son Sam and daughter-in-law Kelsie Rowan of Battle Creek, Michigan, and three granddaughters, named above.

Contributions in Tama’s honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, Willamette Valley Cancer Institute, or any of the musical organizations mentioned above.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive St., Eugene, OR.

541-345-8764, on April 27, 2024, at 1pm.