Tara Straneva

KANE - Tara Louise Straneva, 45, of Corry passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at UPMC Hamot.
She was born Aug. 14, 1979, in Warren. She was the daughter of Neal and Laurie Straneva Cole of Kane.
Tara graduated from Kane Area School in 1997. She continued her education earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and a minor in biology from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Tara began her career at McCourt Label in Lewis Run, she then transitioned to Adelphia Business Solutions in Coudersport, and later challenged herself at Bank of America in Beechwood, Ohio.
Starting her banking career as branch manager with PNC Bank, she worked at several locations before joining 5 Star Bank in Lakewood, N.Y., Erie Federal Credit Union and eventually Corry Jamestown Credit Union where she was currently employed. Tara generously gave her time to others and was an active member of the Corry community, serving on multiple boards.
Growing up on her family's farm, Tara naturally became an animal lover. Over the years, she had numerous dogs, cats and horses. She fondly referred to her most recent dogs, Anna and Delilah, as "the girls" and her two current horses, Uno and Stretch, as "the boys." Linus and Charles, her kittens at home, were always ready to snuggle when they weren't giving "the girls" a run for their money. Tara was a true equestrian, loving to show horses, making barn chores look easy and happily sharing her knowledge with others. She was a riding instructor for all ages and experience levels.
Tara found joy in the little things, like a cup of Earl Grey tea, a good book or a great deal at an auction. With a witty sense of humor, Tara's jokes were always perfectly delivered with a cute smile and a little chuckle. Describing Tara is nearly impossible; she may have been small in stature but was a significant part of everyone's lives. She loved big and wore her heart on her sleeve. She will be missed every second of every day.
In addition to her parents, Tara is survived by her grandparents, Betty Straneva of Kane and Neal and Marlene Cole of Kane; her boyfriend, Kyle Johnson of Corry; her aunts and uncles, Debra Gillespie, Beth and Darrel Hillard, Susan and Chris Cochran, Joseph Straneva and Sharon Zampogna; and her cousins, BJ and Taylor Lorenzo, Lisa Lorenzo, Cassie Johnston, Melissa and Chad Turnbow, Abby Cochran, Zachary Duck-Straneva, Alyssa Zampogna, Caitlyn Zampogna and Ricky Zampogna; as well as a large extended family and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Rudy Straneva; her dogs, Anna and Delilah and beloved equines Star, Robin and Reese.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at The Wilds Sonshine Factory Inc., 3480 Route 6 West.
Memorial donations may be made in Tara's honor to the Anna Shelter, 1555 E. 10th St., Erie PA, 16511; or Rory Ridge Rescue, 178 Anderson Road, Templeton, PA 16259. PayPal donations can be sent to roryridgerescue@gmail.com
Cummings Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of services. Online condolences can be expressed at cummingsfh.com.