Tamara Paulson, formerly Tamara Von Meyendorff (née Belajew), age 86, of Ocala, Florida, entered eternal rest on July 18, 2026.

Born in the former Soviet Union on September 1, 1939, Tamara grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, later lived in Cleveland, Ohio, and most recently in Ocala, Florida.

Tamara was known for her sense of humor, her generosity, and her “Tamara-isms” such as, “if it’s good, it’s good; if it’s not, it’s not.” Her life was a portrait of resilience that spanned eight decades, four countries, six languages, and the beginning of World War II as she strived to build a better life for her family. Tamara devoted herself to her loved ones and was the family’s seamstress, cook, and resident expert, often reminding them, “I do it better.” Tamara enjoyed traveling the world with her late husband, John, and was particularly fond of visiting Las Vegas, Nevada. After John’s passing, Tamara’s greatest love was her grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as “Babi” and “Ga.” She took joy in attending Mass at Queen of Peace Catholic Church over the last two years.

Tamara is survived by her daughters, Alice and Maria (Mark); her grandchildren, Stephen, Gregory, Jesse (Crystal) and Evan; her great-grandchildren, Cason, Cameron, and Sophia; her nephews Anatoly (Irene) and Walter.

Tamara was preceded in death by Alexander, the father of her beloved daughters; and the love of her life, John. In death, she joins her father, Gregory; her mother, Natalya; her older sister, Nina; and her younger brother, Boris.

Family and friends are invited to Tamara’s Mass of Christian Burial at “Queen of Peace Catholic Church 6455 SW State Road 200, Ocala, FL 34476” on Thursday, July 30 at noon.

To let all who loved Tamara honor her together, a livestream of her Mass of Christian Burial will be available at https://m.youtube.com/@queenofpeaceocala6863/streams?ra=m 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tamara’s favorite cause, Smile Train: Cleft Lip and Palate Charity.