Tara Celeste Petrick

After completing high school, she pursued her passion for teaching and began her career as a teacher. She later attended Baker College and earned her Bachelor's Degree in education, which helped her excel in her profession.Tara was an ambitious and hardworking individual who was always eager to learn new things. She was in the process of obtaining her Master's Degree in education leadership from Eastern Michigan University and was set to graduate this spring. Tara's love for teaching and learning was evident in her dedication to her students, who held a special place in her heart. Tara helped create the foundation of the Explorers Learning Center when it opened in 2016 and was a guiding hand in its growth. Tara was an exceptional educator who dedicated her life to her students, family, and friends. She had a passion for teaching and made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and friends. Apart from teaching, Tara had a keen interest in gardening and was a plant lover. She enjoyed crafting, reading books, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Tara was a vibrant member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and actively promoted equality and respect for all. Tara's passion for the Muskegon Pride movement was evident in her unwavering support for the cause. She believed in celebrating diversity and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Not only did Tara have compassion and care for people, family, and friends, but she also had the same love and care for her furry animal babies, including her two cats, Alistair and Hexen. Tara's infectious smile, warm personality, and kind heart will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Tara is survived by her parents, Paul (Jennifer) Petrick and Francene Neelis-Taylor, and siblings Alyssa (Tim) Stark, Joseph Siwicke III, Dillan (Chad) Neelis, Matthew Petrick, Bry'elle Taylor, Jacob Petrick, Noah, Lydia, Caleb, and Grace Sweet. As well as her furry babies.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Ever Rest Funeral Home with Joe Panici at 3:00 pm. A visitation will be held prior to Tara's celebration from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.

In lieu of floral arrangements, donations can be made to Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven or Muskegon Pride in memory of Tara.