Tara M. Keegan

The Funeral Mass for Tara M. Keegan is available for streaming via the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/2217631646 .

WORCESTER/LEICESTER - Tara M. Keegan, 42, received her boarding pass to heaven and departed unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus. Born in Worcester and later raised in Leicester, Tara was the cherished daughter of Fintan and Kathleen (Trainor) Keegan.

Tara will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by her devoted husband of 12 years, Matt Stacey; her children, Sabrina Stacey (9) and Fintan Stacey (5); two sisters, Michele Keegan of Leicester and Lindsey Smollin and her husband, Jeffrey of Worcester; nephews and nieces, including her Goddaughter, Sylvia Seniuk of Leicester; aunts, uncles, and cousins both here and in Ireland; and her furry friend, Cola.

A graduate of Leicester High School, class of 1999, Tara continued her education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a bachelor's degree in history. She dedicated 18 years to academic administration in the Neuroscience Department at UMass Medical School in Worcester.

Tara's love story with Matt began in second grade at Christ the King Church in Worcester, where they were preparing for their First Holy Communion. Twenty-three years later, in 2011, they celebrated their holy matrimony in that very church. They eventually settled in the Tatnuck section of Worcester, where they started their family.

An avid reader with a passion for all genres particularly adventure, fantasy and mystery, Tara found joy in books like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. She also had a deep appreciation for music, particularly the Beatles. Proud of her Irish heritage, Tara received recognition from the Northeastern United States Celtic Councils for Clans and Chiefs. She loved traveling and explored places like Egypt, England, France, and her family's homeland, Ireland.

For Tara, family always came first. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister, she was known for her unwavering support and motherly nature. Her infectious smile and love for people defined her. She was a "backstage mom," actively supporting Sabrina's dance recitals with unwavering enthusiasm. Tara's legacy of love and warmth will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects to Tara's family from 4 to 7 pm on Monday, January 8, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, January 9, at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Shriners Children's Hospital. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.