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During her last days on earth Cynthia, with Joe by her side, fought cancer with grace.
Tyler Tajan was born Cynthia Nell Atkinson in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on April 20, 1948, to Miriam Marie Haynes and Master Sargent Owen Logan Atkinson. Tyler, her sister Marilyn, along with brother Daniel, were raised by their mother. She graduated high school in Groves, Texas, then attended Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, hence her nickname “Tyler.”
Tyler and Joe met in 1967, fell in love, and were married on the first day of Spring, 1970. Seeking a better life in the country, they relocated from Texas to Yaak, Montana, in 1972. Crosby Owen Tajan was born in August of 1974 and Adam Star Tajan was born at home in May of 1977.
Tyler and Joe raised their family enjoying the lakes, rivers, and majestic mountains of North Idaho.
Tyler and Joe built their most recent home high in the mountains near Fall Creek outside of Naples.
Tyler loved gathering huckleberries on her property and she shared this love with her sons and granddaughters.
Tyler’s 18-year tenure at Yoke’s Fresh Market generated many friendships and connections that remained valued and true throughout her life.
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She enjoyed reading the classics, baking delicious desserts for her family and friends, and was an accomplished seamstress. Her spelling, grammar and writing were impeccable.
Along with her husband and sons, Tyler’s life loves were cultivating flowers, especially King Dan’s dahlias, and vegetable gardening. Tyler provided fresh food from the earth for her family every season and she loved a “nice salad” prepared from her own garden on any occasion. She enjoyed her flower and garden harvests throughout the year.
Tyler is survived by her husband of 46 years, Joseph Meyer Tajan, AKA “Jo Jo Baker,” sons Crosby (Morgan Schuck Tajan) of Powell, Wyoming, and Adam (Jessica Lippi Tajan) of Sandpoint, and granddaughters Tacey, Willow and Nina, who she taught to love unconditionally. Her sister Marilyn and brother Daniel, along with Joe’s sisters Ster (O’Neal) and Peggy (Dan), nephew Izaac, niece Fara, and spirit brother Niels Lenz.
Tyler was preceded in death by her mother, father, sister-in-law Tacey and brother Nelson Owen Atkinson, who died in infancy.
Of all the things in life, Tyler most loved her husband, sons, and granddaughters. She loved to laugh, and tend her garden. She will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers or donations, participate in your local community garden or start your own, with thoughts of Tyler.