Tara Laceylynn Allen

Born in South Bend, IN, November 9th, 1969 to Karl and Dessina Karandy, Tara attended St. Ann’s Elementary and Middle school. She graduated from Memphis Catholic High before attending Hartford Community College in Churchville, MD. She relocated to Jacksonville in 1990.

Tara had a loving and compassionate heart, and truly blessed all who knew her. Her passion and gift was serving others. Her sons, Matthew and Andrew, were foremost on her heart. She volunteered in their schools, many athletic organizations, and her church. She worked at the Marriott, Ernst & Young, YMCA, and Mandarin Christian School, among other jobs including homemaker. During the last year, she became involved with cancer foundations including “Free to Breathe” and “Relay for Life.”

Tara loved God, and His light was shining through her all the way to the end. Her faith inspired so many people and she will be missed dearly. She did not fear leaving this world because she knew she had an eternal resting place in heaven where she is now residing. Her life verse is Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”

Tara so loved her family and is survived by her parents; husband, Mark; sons, Matthew and Andrew; sisters, Sonya, Tanja, Tasha, and Alina; along with many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Wednesday, August 10th in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:30am on Thursday August 11th at Christian Family Chapel, 10365 Old St. Augustine Rd. 904-262-3000, followed by interment in Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Christian Family Chapel, Christ Church Academy, and/or Caringbridge.org.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.