Two Arizona Mothers Honored

Two outstanding mothers have been cited by the Arizona Association of American Mothers as
exemplary role models for Arizona Mothers.

Judy Ward was named 2013 Arizona Mother of the Year and Tammy Passey was named 2013
Arizona Young Mother of the Year, at the Arizona American Mothers Gala on February 7th at the
Wright House In Mesa.

Judy Ward was raised in Twin Falls, Idaho, and was married in 1965 to Grant Ward. Soon after
their marriage, they moved to Mesa because of her husband’s employment, and have lived here
ever since.
Judy has seven children, five sons and two daughters, and 34 grandchildren with one on
the way. She was involved in the PTO and as a room mother while her children were in grade
school. She attended Little League games for 25 years straight.

While her children were in high school, Judy was active in the Booster Club, as all of her
boys played three sports, and later on, two of them played college football. One of her daughters
received a degree in Elementary Education, while the other attended Utah State, majoring in
Public Relations.

Judy taught Kindergarten for three years and Preschool for 21 years. She served in her
church being responsible for the women’s organization, young women’s organization and the
childrens program. She taught reading to adults three days a week and served as a Cub Scout
Leader.

When asked how motherhood has impacted her life Judy responded with this comment:
”Motherhood has given me joy not temporary happiness, but deep rooted enduring joy. How
has being a mother impacted my life? Being a wife and mother is my life.”

Tamara Passey grew up in Massachusetts and as the youngest of seven children she
has always had a strong love of family. Writing has been her favorite hobby and family members
have usually been her source of inspiration. She won awards for poetry in high school and has
had an article and poem accepted for publication in The Ensign magazine.

While studying English at Brigham Young University she met, and later married Steven
Passey. They have lived in Arizona since 1997 and are the parents of three children. They love
to call Arizona home, and she says they’ve been married 20 happy years and counting.
Tamara has spent time volunteering at the schools her children attend. She has also
mentored young women and served in an international organization that aids women. She has
volunteered for the Donor Network of Arizona and is a contributor of marriage and parenting
articles for FamilyShare.com.

A few of the many things she enjoys about being a mom include doing almost anything
creative with her children, though she claims they are craftier than she. Having a sit down
breakfast when everyone is home is a favorite family activity. She loves story time, family hugs,
and seeing her children’s beautiful smiles.