It is with broken hearts that we share that our beautiful Tara Lynette Schuurman Cohen lost her life on September 30, 2019. Tara was the loving daughter of Rene Dick Schuurman and Lynette Young. Born on December 10, 1980 in Salt Lake City Utah.
The greatest love in her life was for her precious son Jayden Seth Torales. She was and is loved by her siblings Erin Schuurman, JMichael Schuurman and Madison Call. Her grandparents Mike and Fern Etta Long. Aunts, Uncles and many cousins on her mother's side. On her fathers side she is survived and loved by Logan Schuurman, Hunter Schuurman, Tyler Quinney, Conrad Quinney, Sherry Schuurman and her grandmother Jeannette Schuurman.
As well as her family Tara had many, many friends who loved her and whom she loved. Everyone who knew her felt her genuine warmth. She discriminated against no one.
Tara is consistently described as a light. She radiated light and love. She was generous of heart and a truly compassionate soul. Her sweet heart poured endless unconditional love in service to others even when she didn't have it to give. Tara was a forgiving, kind soul. She chose not to judge others but to simply love them.
Tara loved to read and to learn. She always tried to better herself through study. She enjoyed deep spiritual conversations. She loved hearing others thoughts and feelings, beliefs and dreams and sharing hers. Tara loved being in nature and found solace in the beauty and power of our earth. She loved the pink ribbon that tops the spruces signaling the beginning of a new day and represented the healing hand of nature that brought peace and relief from pain. Tara was an amazing cook. She nurtured and comforted us with her beautiful meals. She loved entertaining family and friends. She was a gracious hostess. She made her Dad food he couldn't pronounce but that was so good he would ask her to make for him for his birthday. She was a joy to spend time with and made everyone feel important and welcome.
\"Tara was truly a person of grace and beauty. She had a way of stealing the spotlight when she walked into a room while still somehow making everyone else around her feel important and special. Tara always had a nurturing side to her. She cared about her loved ones greatly. You could feel love surrounding her when you stood close to her. She was the embodiment of family. She showed this in many ways including her love of cooking and sharing a meal with those close to her. She always showed genuine interest in what was happening in other people\s lives and would get so excited to share her thoughts, stories and interests with those who would take the time to listen. She was someone you just loved being able to have long conversations with and we will miss making memories with her greatly. She left behind a lot of love that we will always carry with us as we press on. We were very lucky to have so many years with such a beautiful person and we will continue to take care of each other in her honor\"
I remember Tara most for her enthusiasm. She was the kind of person who could brighten the whole room and light up in excitement. When people came to visit her, she had the habit of shouting their name to greet them, you felt the most genuine joy.
She had an appreciation and talent for many endeavors. Taking up adventures, hikes and camping became her routine. She was the most avid reader I know. I had wondered on a personal level if I could try and read a thousand books by the end of my lifetime. I told her I didn't think it was realistic, a goal like that was achieved by dedicated scholars and entrepreneurs. She laughed and told me she had already read at least a thousand books already. Tara, Erin and I often made up an informal three-person book club. My last message from her was about a book she recommended. That book talked about the powerful results that groups had achieved by collectively focusing intent on healing. Today we all think of you and honor your memories and together we can live more and more consciously. Some of my best memories include how we used to sit for hours and just talk about our philosophy. Our talks often were accompanied by down-tempo music, thievery corporation being our favorite. She surprised me and took me to see them live in concert. At the show she danced more than anyone around her.
I will continue to be grateful for all of the things you taught me, you offered some of the most crucial guidance and support in my life. Tara was giving. Her generosity wasn't just an occasion, it was boundless. The best was her cooking, something she took her time with to dive into possibility with that creativity and flavor. Home cooked meals brought our family together as children and as adults.
Tara, you were so loving, kind and thoughtful. We will miss you so much. I love you with all my heart~
Tara was well loved and will remain forever in our hearts.
From her brother JMichael Schuurman
Friends and family are invited to a visitation to share in the memory of Tara on Tuesday Oct. 8, 2019 from 6-8pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City, Utah.
