Tara Howell Family Fund

For our dear friend Tara Howell, who passed away unexpectedly and suddenly on Nov.23rd, leaving behind her husband, Steve, and daughters Joanna and Brianna. All donations received will be given to her family in this time of need. We know that money cannot heal wounds, but it can help lessen the stress and strain of what they are going through.

Those of us that knew Tara, knew that she was a very caring kindhearted person. If you were in pain, she would share that pain with you. She was honest, loyal, level headed and intelligent. She loved her kids and her husband very much. She wanted to make sure they had every opportunity available to them. She was so proud when Joanna, was published in a book of poetry and Brianna made the basketball team.

Tara managed being caregiver to her parents, and a full time job (sometimes more) and she was an involved parent fitting in time to get Brianna to practices and wherever else she needed to go and being at all her games. I never knew how she managed all that she did.

Tara had plans for the future that were cut so short. She was the rock of her family and their world. Her husband is devastated but trying to keep things together for their girls.

Below are some of her eldest daughter's words that were read at her funeral:

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"It's impossible to explain how amazing my mom was in just 3-5 minutes but I guess I'll try. My mother was a daughter, a friend, a mom, a sister helping hand and shoulder to cry on for anyone who needed it. She never asked for help, but was always the first to give it. She told me once that she never believed she was beautiful , until she saw her girls, but boy were you wrong mama. Your beauty was deeper than your looks, which are beautiful enough, but your beauty was your independence, your resilience, your ability to make everyone feel comfortable and loved. I watched you go through Hell and back and come back a better person, never bitter, never questioned God. You took every obstacle head on without complaints. You taught me to be independent but that I can always lean on family. Family was the most important thing to my mom. She loved having all of us together and she knew family was sometimes deeper than just blood. She built the family and life she wanted. She didn't care about material things, she loved just being together laughing and making memories.

I remember her warmth, her light, she was able to bring everyone together. She loved everyone unconditionally and never judged a soul. I never questioned God before this, but my Mom knows not to question him. My mom was an angel, loving and helping everyone, she was too good for this earth so I guess God needed her up there.

You taught me how to get through anything, but I never thought I'd lose you. You are the strongest, kindest, most hardworking and persevering woman I know.

Thank you for this life, for my dad and sister, Thank you for everything.

Mama, I love you , always."