Deirdre Catherine Tatomer

March 21, 1980 - December 6, 2020

Deirdre’s time on earth ended on December 6, 2020. After a brave battle with metastatic cancer and the resulting severely compromised immune system, the illness crept in to claim one more gentle soul. Deirdre was born in San Mateo on March 21, 1980. She was a wonderful child who filled her parents with pride. She excelled in academics and sports throughout her childhood and adolescence. She attended the University of Virginia and received a B. S. in Chemistry. She then worked as a research assistant at UCSF in the Leitman lab. Graduate school followed at the University of North Carolina in the Marzluff and Duronio labs earning a Ph. D in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology. Her post doctoral work was at the University of Pennsylvania in the Wilusz lab. Deirdre was an RNA biologist. Her work with the integrator complex and its role in snRNA3’ formation led to Frederick, MD. As a Stadtman tenure track investigator and NIH Distinguished Scholar, she was to start her own lab at the National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research. The irony is uncanny . Struck down by a disease you were about to study, exploring RNA, in a world pinning its hopes on an RNA vaccine.

With her studies came many wonderful friends and coworkers. She followed other young starting careers and young families growing, all with a sense of excitement.

As she was home for her final year, she had a chance to reconnect with family friends.

Her illness limited interactions, only confounded by the pandemic. None the less, everyone treasured the time together.

What gave Deirdre the most joy were her interactions with her nieces and nephews.

Ranging in age from three to ten, the happiness they brought her was unending. She learned to crochet and made them little blankets and little stuffed animals, current and future treasures from their childhood years. There were zoom school science classes with aunt Deda. There were cards and notes back and forth. Funny video clips and calls. Watching them grow. From one there were “business calls” and as Deirdre said “a perfect match. The mind of a five year old and a scientist with chemo brain!” Little Julia, Declan, Fiona, Claire and William. Her treasures.

Deirdre leaves behind her father and mother William and Mary Tatomer, her sister Meghan Lange ( Aaron), her brother Andrew Tatomer ( Kaitlyn) and many aunts and uncles in the United States, England and Ireland.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Tyler Johnson and his wonderful team at Stanford for helping Deirdre in her battle. She came to them in dire need and they answered the call.

There will be a celebration of life when the world returns to more normal. Until then, Deirdre will be at rest in St. John’s Cemetery in San Mateo.

Gifts to support cancer research would be wonderful.