Paying Tribute to Tara

Our beloved Tara has suddenly passed away on November 15th, 2019 at age 33. She was a wonderful daughter to Sandra and sister to Shannon.

Tara was no ordinary woman. She was the smartest person in any room with perfect SAT scores. She graduated top of her class at Penn Charter as we all expected she would along with a full scholarship to Brown University. Not only was she a genius, she was also musically inclined. The clarinet was her instrument of choice. To say Hamilton was her favorite is an understatement. She would cry walking by the theater.


Tara leaves behind her younger sister Shannon, whom she had a crazy beautiful relationship with. Although Tara was the oldest sister, she idolized Shannon in many ways. She was so proud of Shannon’s achievements in life and was her BIGGEST fan. Likewise, Shannon also admired how free spirited and smart Tara was.


Beautifully written by Tara’s cousin Keegan Bales, this explains so perfectly who Tara was and how she viewed life. We all could afford to view life a little more like Tara did.


“My cousin Tara was fiercely intellectual, quick witted, and immeasurably talented. She loved speaking in metaphors, philosophizing about life’s eternal questions, and searching for a deeper meaning in just about everything. Those who knew her knew no one else quite like her.

Me and the other girls were lucky to have Tara as an early teacher and friend. She was quirky and creative and saw beauty in things most people overlooked. Beyond sharing her masterful coloring, French braiding, and card playing skills, she taught me to look for humor, even in struggle and sadness.

Tara was among the few people who enjoyed walking extreme distances as much as I do. On our journeys she would often pose big existential questions. I never had any insights for her, just like I will never know why she faced the challenges that she did. Wherever she is now, I hope she finally has the answers.”


Tara’s passing was very sudden and extremely devastating. With the help of you all, I am kindly asking for donations for her memorial service and burial to put less stress on her family during this difficult time.

Updates for services/funeral to come.