Mary Tarr

GLOUCESTER Mary A. (Murdza) Tarr, 98, wife of the late Millard D. Tarr, of Gloucester, died on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at the Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center She was born in Ipswich, MA. on October 27, 1912, daughter of the late John and Katherine (Kuduk) Murdza. Mary attended Ipswich schools. She worked at the Haywood Hosiery Company in Ipswich where she met her future husband, Millard Tarr. She was married to Millard on September 2, 1933 at the Sacred Heart Church in Ipswich. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing beautiful clothing for her children and family. She loved the ocean and enjoyed many happy outings on the familys boat Island Prince and later on her sons boats. Later in life, she enjoyed traveling to Florida in the winters. She was a devoted member of St. Josephs Church in Ipswich where she served on the Womens Guild and later was a devoted member of St. Peters Church in East Gloucester. Mary also worked as a volunteer at Hammond Castle and the Fitz Hugh Lane House. She is survived by her six children, Raymond Tarr and wife Beverly of Gloucester, Marianne Armacost and husband John of North Hampton, NH, Philip Tarr and wife Dorothy of Bridgton, ME, David Tarr and wife Shirley of Port Townsend, WA, Priscilla Heidi Karol and husband Erich of Gloucester, Virginia Gina McLaughlin and husband Richard of North Hampton, NH; her sister Anne M. Spencer of Gloucester; daughter-in-law Norma Tarr of Gloucester; several nieces and nephews; 21 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband Millard, she was predeceased by her infant daughter Christine Marie Tarr, her son Ronald P. Tarr and her siblings, Walter Murdza, Peter Murdza and Sophie Hayes. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 1 in St. Anthonys by-the-sea Chapel, Farrington Avenue, Gloucester at 11 AM. Burial to follow in Highland Cemetery, Ipswich. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements are under the direction of the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester, MA.