While my time with Tara was brief, she was a ray of sunshine that lit up every room where you saw her smile and her giggle. I remember when we went to the dry cleaners. She pointed at one of the shirts and proudly proclaimed, "Only girls wear pink!" Tara and Devin would argue as children but, based on the photos, grew together as a loving team.  Catherine, Devon, Scott and William, and the rest of the family, my heart goes out to you. Please, take care of yourselves and each other.  

My deepest sympathies to Tara's immediate and extended family. I knew Tara for a time when she was about 8 years old and I remember she liked to tell jokes, laugh, and ask many questions. She was sweet, silly, and an all around goofball. Her joy and laughter will not be forgotten.

Sweet girl,
I am forever grateful I got to know you last year. You made my days so much better. You were such an amazing friend to me. Thank you for always driving me to and from class. Thank you for going with me places when I didn't want to me alone. Thank you for always listening to my problems and cheering me up. I'm already missing our car ride jams, silly dinner convos, and our deep talks. I miss seeing you walk around in that huge fluffy white jacket you loved so much. I miss you blasting music on your huge speaker and getting me hyped up all the time. You were there for me when no one else was and you always understood me. You were a bright light in my life. Your kindness and compassion for others has always inspired me. You had the biggest heart of anyone I know. I promise to continue to pay your kindness and love forward everyday. You were so loved and you always will be. I'll miss that beautiful smile and contagious energy always. Thank you for everything. I love you forever Tara.
Love, Kaitlyn

My favorite memory of Tara is from Uncle Will and Catherine’s wedding. We met the girls at the salon after they were done getting ready, and I remember the girls coming out with nice, simple hair cuts and out comes Tara with extravagant hairdo. And I remember thinking “Oh, I guess for someone younger, that must feel so fancy and grown up” (like I was soooo much older) and it was so her to just do her own thing and not caring what anyone else thought. She was always so happy and free-spirited and I hope we can all apply her personality to our own lives .

We first met Tara as a young girl. She came zipping into our court on a hot pink scooter.
I watched the eyes of the boys in the court bug out!  Now, I can’t say for sure if it was for the very cute blonde girl or for the awesome scooter! Tara became a very frequent visitor to our court and started a scooter trend amongst the kids.  My son and Tara continued their friendship through high school. Tara introduced Jake to her friends at Bishop Ireton, you can imagine how happy that made him lol!   
Tara was a sweet girl and we enjoyed her company often. Our families also became good friends. 
Tara you will be missed terribly but sweet memories of you will last forever. 💕💕


We will always remember Tara for being part of the 2014 competition year for Novice Jumpers in Virginia. This group of girls totally supported each other while competing against each other and the rest of the field. Pure sportsmanship! It was such a fun year for the girls walking courses together, always cheering each other on, and for the parents/grooms connecting ringside.  Tara and Cocoa made a great team and we were blessed to have had this time with them. Our heartfelt condolences to Tara's family.  
Laura & Elaina

Our family enjoyed our cheer experiences with Tara. We are anguished to have learned of her passing. We have such fond memories of Tara. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I remember when Uncle Will first told us about Catherine, Devon, and Tara, and we all thought it was so funny how Mason still didn’t have any boy cousins! You were all loved and welcomed from the start, and we loved spending time with our fun new family. On all our vacations, Tara was always on the go and ready for the next adventure. We didn’t see each other often, but the time spent together will always be cherished. 

I remember when I first met Tara at uncle willy and Catherine’s wedding. I was so excited to have someone closer in age to me in the family! She was so funny and I remember running around the resort with Hannah and Tara, getting smoothies at the swim up bar thinking we were so cool. I am upset that the times I got to see her were few and far between, but each time will be cherished. 

Catherine I loved to hear stories of your beautiful family. Know my heart brakes for you as well. With you all in spirit and with much Love. ❤️

Tara's Honda Civic, now my son's, sits in our driveway keeping watch on our home. 

I first met Tara almost 7 years ago when I brought my new horse to Oliver's. She was such a bright soul, radiating energy and her happiness to be with her beloved horses at the barn. You couldn't help but smile at her and with her!

When she left for college, she needed a more snow appropriate vehicle for Michigan's winters, so she sold her Honda Civic. By chance, my son had just left his old Camry in Oregon after grad school, so he bought Tara's Honda. I like to think that now she will be looking after him when he drives it. I know I will think of her every time I see it.

Rest easy, Tara. Your time here with us was too brief, but you left a big, beautiful mark on this world. You will not be forgotten 💝

One of my fondest memories was getting to know Tara and her sister Devon when I lived in DC from 2001-2006. Even at such a young age Tara's joy for life was so apparent. She was such a good-natured, positive kid. And her athleticism, passion and fearlessness impressed me to no end, whether doing cartwheels, scaling trees, ripping around the neighborhood on her bike, or blasting down the slopes at Wisp Ski Resort. I will always cherish those times and hold those memories of her deep in my heart.

Dearest Tara,
It was so wonderful to have you as my daughter.  I know you have gone peacefully to eternity.  I called you "Pie" because you were the sweetest girl I have ever known.  I miss you already.  Love, Dad

So many memories come to mind as I think of you now. You had a special aura about you, even as a very young child, that made you stand out from the crowd. Your laughter and sense of humor were infectious. You were always kind to everyone and made them feel accepted. Your vivacious spirit will live on in our memories of you until we meet again. This world was a better and more beautiful place with you in it. You are immeasurably missed, sweet Tara. 




Many of my childhood memories are filled with Tara and her spunky energy. My first sleepover, watching Jaws, dancing in the kitchen to Britney Spears, to babysitting each other's toys for the weekend. This picture is from one of Tara's birthday parties rock climbing - I just remember having such fun with her and am so grateful to have had a lovely friendship with her when we were little. I cherish those memories!

Tara, Catherine and I met when I bought Beaujolais and we shared the love for such a special horse. They’d come to visit me and Beau and I’d visit them to see Tara compete. We’ve stayed in touch over the years and we had a wonderful stay with them at their beautiful home on our trip to Florida.  I’ll cherish those memories with Tara.

This memory is from Hilton Head Island, SC, in the summer of 2012.  Team McMahon flew in on a puddle jumper from DC, and we all stayed together at a rental beach house half a block from the ocean.  

 I have so many wonderful memories with Tara at Michigan State. Traveling, shopping, studying, and getting Starbucks were some of our favorite activities to do together. We would go on drives to jam out to music and have some amazing conversations. I will cherish those drives forever. I remember one day I was having a really hard time studying and also forgot my computer charger at home. Without asking, Tara dropped off a charger and a hot coffee to help me get thru studying. Her kindness and love for her friends is admired by many. I miss you so much already. 

She was the sweetest member of our family and will be greatly missed. We can feel peace in knowing our family in heaven is there welcoming herand God is well pleased at her arrival.

In loving memory of Tara. Even though I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you in person, your mom would tell me stories of your accomplishments, wishes and desires that you wanted out of life. You are the light of your families life...so cherished and loved. You are in good company with my Sara. Fly high, Tara. 

One of my favorite memories.  When you were 15, I  asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up.  You said " Fabulous.  I want to be fabulous."  You definitely were!


I first met Tara when she  rode her pink motorbike in Daybreak Court in my neighborhood. After that, I had an instant best friend. I knocked on her door every weekend to see if she could hang out. So many memories were spent together.  From dancing our hearts out at my uncle and aunt’s wedding reception, going to see the Justin Bieber movie to make fun of him (and end up loving him/fighting over his posters) to birthdays, family events, and more. I spent most of my elementary school years until the end of middle school with her before I moved away. We kept in touch here and there during high school and whenever we saw each other, it was a joyous reunion. All my childhood memories are filled with her presence and I will cherish that forever. Tara is a part of my heart forever. Rest In Peace, sweet Tara.

I’ll always remember taking my kids ( CJ & Tiffany) along with Tara & Devon to the castle playground in Arlington, VA. Tara was always so full of joy & laughter! Rest In Peace sweet Tara.🙏🏽❤️

We have so many cherished memories and will always think of  you.
 
With love from your Grandparents,
John & Dade McMahon


OBITUARY

Tara Marie McMahon

December 18, 1998 – February 21, 2021

Kraeer Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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