It is with profound sorrow we share the passing of Tatum Tylor Gardner of Cleveland, who left us far too soon on February 28, 2025, at the age of 25. Tatum was born in Mayfield Heights on November 11, 1999 and lived in Willoughby until moving to Cleveland in 2023. She graduated from Willoughby South High School in 2018 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and Accounting from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2022, where she was an active member of the Delta Zeta sorority. Tatum's dream came true when she was selected to participate in the prestigious Disney College Program at Walt Disney World, where she made close friendships in a place that matched her own spirit of joy, wonder, and kindness.

Following her college graduation, Tatum began work as an Information Technology Assurance Auditor at Maloney + Novotny in Cleveland. She married Drew Gardner on September 14, 2024. Tatum and Drew's love story was one for the ages — high school sweethearts who grew together through every milestone, every adventure, and every challenge life brought their way. They were the first couple to fall in love and marry among their friends and were proud to be thought of by them as the "Mom and Dad couple". Their wedding on September 14, 2024, was a beautiful and joyful celebration of their amazing partnership and of the incredible love they held for their friends, family, and each other.

Along with being the beloved wife of Drew; Tatum was the cherished daughter of Stephanie Simon (nee Ambrochowicz) and her husband Mark Simon, of Chesterland, and of her father Bob Brown of Willoughby. Tatum was a loving sister and lifelong best friend to Helen Brown of Willoughby. She is also survived by her grandparents Robert Brown of Alabama, and Anne Brown of Mentor, and Steven Ambrochowicz of Mentor, as well as her in-laws Stacey, Andy, Aaron, and Caroline Gardner of Willoughby Hills. She leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was preceded by in death by her grandmother Constance Ambrochowicz.

Tatum found joy in so many things — she loved travelling, especially to Disney parks; getting lost in a great book (with Six of Crows being her all time favorite) while curled up with her adored cats—Teddy and Koda, building the most challenging and fun of Lego creations, and diving into a good puzzle or an arts and crafts project. She especially loved hosting game nights and gatherings — setting the stage to make memories and moments that felt warmer and brighter for her family and friends.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 6, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 6330 Center St. (Rt. 615, North of Rt. 2), in Mentor. A memorial service will immediately follow at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to help establish a scholarship fund in Tatum's honor, which will benefit women graduates of Willoughby South High School and ensure Tatum's legacy supports future generations to explore, create, and follow their dreams. Donations may be made via the website GoFundMe or to The Tatum Brown Gardner Scholarship Fund at any Fifth Third Bank location.

Arrangements entrusted to Cannon-Catavolos Funeral Home of Parma Heights (440)842-0456, servicing the Gardner family from the McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home in Mentor.

For online tributes and condolences please visit www.C-Cfuneralhome.com

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