Tara Jean O'Connor, a lifelong local area resident, died at home on Saturday, September 21, 2013. She was 36.
Tara was born in Poughkeepsie on May 19, 1977. Her love of the Hudson Valley and its natural beauty made her an avid outdoorswoman. She enjoyed such hobbies as fishing, kayaking, hiking (especially Mount Beacon), photography, and more.
Throughout her life Tara enjoyed working at many restaurants, where she made good friends and loved the social environment and meeting new people. She was currently pursuing a degree in Human Services at Dutchess Community College.
Above all else, Tara will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. She was a selfless person, always putting others first. She loved to laugh, and lit up any room she entered.
She is survived by many loved ones, including her mother, Maryann (nee Mills) Tyner & her husband Michael of Wappingers Falls; her father, Thomas F. O'Connor & his wife Mary Ann Carroll of Marlboro; her brother, Matthew T. O'Connor & his wife Jessica of Newburgh; her other siblings, Dr. Scott Tyner of MA, Julie Gasparri (David) of Lagrangeville, Susan Christopher (Mark) of Lagrangeville, Michael Carroll of Marlboro, and Stephen Carroll of Marlboro; her nieces and nephews, Kate, Olivia, Quinn, Elizabeth, and Noah; her step-grandparents, Walter & Mary Kronner of Marlboro; several aunts & uncles, especially Richard Tyner of Wappingers Falls; her goddaughter, Casey, the daughter of Tara's cousin Vicky Messina of Millbrook; many other cousins and other loving relatives & friends. She is also survived by her boyfriend, Bobby Finch of Lagrangeville.
Tara was predeceased by her grandparents, Neil & Mary Ellen Mills and Jeremiah & Margaret O'Connor, and her brother Eric Tyner.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. At 7 p.m., the family will present a Celebration of Life. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 26 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 31 Willow Street, Beacon. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Scenic Hudson, One Civic Center Plaza, Suite 200, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, www.scenichudson.org.
For directions, online tributes, and memorial donations, you can visit Tara's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.