Her table was an invitation.
She loved hosting family and friends. Her cooking, as her family remembers it, spoke to your soul—and her home made people feel they belonged.
A daughter of Detroit · A life of impact
The story of Mama Tanya
Tanya Elaine Fitzpatrick, affectionately known as “Mama Tanya,” was born on October 27, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, to Muriel (Perkins) Smith and William Estell. The eldest of her siblings, she grew up grounded in family and faith. She accepted Christ at an early age and attended Detroit Public Schools.
In 1977, Tanya began her career at General Motors Fort Street, where she became a proud member of UAW Local 174. In 1986, she transferred to the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant and joined UAW Local 22.
Her commitment went far beyond her daily work. She took part in union activities, the Woman-to-Woman campaign, Adopt-a-Family, the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), election committees, Labor Day activities, and the Trade Union Leadership Caucus (TULC). She served as chair of the women’s committee, and her worker-to-worker efforts earned a personal thank-you from then-Governor Jennifer Granholm.
Beyond her dedication to work and community, Tanya was known for love, light, and energy. She brought people together for special occasions, cooked food that spoke to the soul, dressed to impress, and loved dancing the night away with her signature beverage and long straw.
A pillar of her community and a matriarch to many, she gave generously and cared deeply. The warmth she shared lives on in all the people whose lives she touched.
Family
At the heart of everything she did
Faith
A foundation throughout her life
Community
A lifetime of service and care
Family & a lasting legacy
She was preceded in death by her father, William Estell; her siblings Billy, Anthony, and Debra; and her son-in-law, Alan Sr. She leaves cherished memories with her mother Muriel; her children Sonya and Jerome (Lisa); grandchildren Marquice, Mercedes, and Alan Jr.; bonus grandson Chaunsey; bonus great-granddaughter Aubrey; siblings Theresa, Darnell, and Martin; nieces and nephews Angelita, Lisa, Terron, Troy, and Jason; and many cousins, family members, and friends.
