Jeanne Tatar

1960 - 2021

Jeanne Tatar
May 5, 1960 - January 12, 2021
Charlotte, North Carolina - On January 12, 2021 Jeanne Marie Tatar, formerly of Whitehall, PA, died at the age of 60 at her home in Charlotte, NC from an apparent heart attack. Beloved wife of Richard Spada, dearly loved daughter of Stanley and Marie Tatar, Sister-in-law to Becky Spada (Rick) Clapp of Annapolis, MD and aunt to Allison Struiksma (Spada) of Salt Lake City, UT and Lauren Monroe of Annapolis, MD.
She was passionate about learning and experiencing the world around her. A National English Teachers Writing Award Recipient in High School, she was listed in the Who's Who of America's Names and Faces in 1977. Jeanne went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh. These passions were expressed through extensive travel throughout Europe and Central America and seeking from a young age to connect with diverse people always reaching out. She worked for WQED TV, The University of Pittsburgh, Spirit Square Center for the Arts in Charlotte, NC and Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte over her career.
Jeanne was compassionate, empathetic and understanding which led her to work with Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte where among many many things she pioneered a relationship with Charlotte Habitat's sister city Santa Anna, El Salvador which thrives still today. Jeanne later started an art import business, Emerging World Artists, to assist Central American artists find markets in the United States. Unfortunately this venture had to be abandoned when she developed chronic fatigue syndrome. This affliction led to years of battling not only chronic fatigue but also chronic pain and depression.
For her family beyond giving love and contagious enthusiasm, she established a cherished tradition of gathering at the beach in Stone Harbor, NJ every year. Through all of this her greatest passion and compassion was for animals. She took in 22 stray dogs and 9 stray cats over the years while rescuing all types of animals and returning or finding new homes for more pets than can be counted.
In lieu of flowers or gifts please donate to The Environmental Defense Fund, PETA, The Humane Society of Charlotte or Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte.
A memorial will be planned for after the Covid-19 pandemic subsides.