- Date Of Birth: November 11, 1981
- Date Of Death: August 30, 2022
- State: Indiana
The family of Tara Lynn Strycker, 40, of Wakarusa, is saddened to announce her passing on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Elkhart General Hospital. She was born in Elkhart on November 11, 1981 to the late Terry Strycker and Carla (Schwyn) LaCounte, who survives her in Wakarusa, Indiana.
Tara always considered her mom as her best friend, confidant and caregiver, and her mother always cherished Tara’s love with open arms. Tara also had three children; Braxton Newman of Elkhart, Tristan Thorpe of White Pigeon, Michigan and Danae Thorpe of Allendale, Michigan; close friend Brian Newman of Elkhart; brothers Andy (Shannon) Halsey of Cape Coral, Florida and Adam (Tonia) Strycker of Nappanee (with whom Tara was very close as well) and sister Angela (Art) Smead of Goshen; cousins Tammy Nickoson, Tiffany Northam and Trina (Carlos) Williams; 11 nieces and nephews and her dog, Lindy. Also surviving are a host of loving extended family, close friends
She is preceded in death by her father, Terry Strycker; grandparents Ira (Esther Croy) Schwyn and Merv (Beulah) Strycker; her aunt Linda Hochstetler and Uncle Chuck Croy; stepdad Sheldon LaCounte (who loved Tara very much as well) and her loving husband Scott Watson whom passed from a motorcycle accident soon after they were married.
Tara graduated from Elkhart Memorial High School and then went on to work as a transportation driver at Safeway Drive Away in New Paris and Horizon Transportation in Wakarusa. She very much enjoyed being on the road and watching the countryside going by. In her spare time, Tara enjoyed visiting the local casinos and playing Bingo with her mom, Carla. She was also a member of the VFW Post 88, where she had formed lifelong friendships.
Tara was a happy and festive soul, and absolutely loved decorating for everything from Christmas to birthday parties. She took delight in making special days festive, and her children simply loved all of the magic that Tara was able to add to the holidays. Her children were the love of her life since she was, of course, a child at heart herself.
Tara and her brother, Adam were close and most certainly he will miss her smiling face. Tara was “Sissy” to his wife, Tonia. Together, they would all go out for dinner or go out shopping.
Tara’s infectious smile was one that would light up a room. She was quiet, yet had this personality that always seemed to make others sit up and take notice. Tara’s generosity and love for others was as big as her heart. She was an amazing mom, a loving daughter, a safe and loyal professional driver and co-worker and an outstanding friend who will be greatly missed.
