Tara Marie (Pearson) Swift

Tara Marie (Pearson) Swift, 45, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, surrounded by her loving family in Dublin, California. Despite a terminal cancer diagnosis, Tara remained as positive and strong as she had been her whole life.

She was born on January 26, 1975, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Dan and Sharon Pearson. She was baptized into the Catholic faith and attended Dowling High School in West Des Moines, graduating in 1993. Tara was a gifted athlete and while in high school, she was on the winning teams for the state tournament in 1992 for both basketball and softball. She was selected to the all-tournament teams in both sports in 1992 and 1993. Tara attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois on a full-ride scholarship playing softball. She graduated in 1998 with degrees in nursing and psychology. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Dowling High School, which she was very proud of.

In 1999, Tara moved to California in search of warmer weather. While there, she met her future husband, Michael Swift. Together they had two children, Aviana and Alec, who were the loves of her life. Her world revolved around her children and family, and she enjoyed their time spent traveling together. Tara's beauty, sense of humor, generous loving spirit, and inspirational strength will be missed by all who knew her. She had an unending zest for life that she showed for every new adventure presented to her.

Tara is survived by her loving husband, Michael; children, Aviana (8) and Alec (6); parents, Dan and Sharon Pearson of West Des Moines, IA; grandmother, Velma Berns of Elkader, IA; and brother, Brett (Andrea) Pearson of Urbandale, IA; nephew and niece Marek and Mila Pearson of Urbandale, IA; also surviving are mother-in-law, Catherine (Michael) Johnston of Galt, CA; brother-in-law, Justin (Nickie) Swift of San Ramon, CA; and niece Ella Swift.

A Celebration of Life is planned for a future date. For future information, contact Graham-Hitch Mortuary at 925-846-5624. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions will be directed to future education needs for her children at www.gofundme.com under the Tara Swift (Pearson) Memorial / Kids College Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Mar. 2 to Mar. 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Tara Swift

Sponsored by Graham-Hitch Mortuary.

6 Entries

Christy Spooner

March 10, 2020

Forever beautifully young, strong, and important! Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Loving prayers,
Dick & Christy Spooner

erika somerfeld

March 8, 2020

Soar, beauty,

erika somerfeld

March 8, 2020

I spent my 40th birthday with Tara at norm's diner and the viceroy hotel, after working with her at a beverage company in L.A. She is the definition of a beautiful woman inside and out. She was sweet, kind, smart and caring. She was my friend. She radiated joy and i am not surprised she handled her death with grace and dignity. I was blessed to have crossed paths with her. May God less and watch over her children. Love you Tara

Kerry Rivera

March 7, 2020

Oh Tara youre a treasure and a champion! It was so much fun watching you first hand at Dowling as I was a coach and a parent . You were so talented and a leader in such a tremendous group of athletes that won the best of accomplishments . Ill never forget your happiness one time when you stayed the night with my daughters Kellie and Baby Kathleen , who was two . You laughed and giggled at her and said I want one of those. You made two beautiful children and led a wonderful life.♥ Forever young, beautiful and loved !

Dr Dave and Linda Hansen

March 3, 2020

Dear Dan, Sharon, Brett and Family,
We were saddened to learn of Tara's passing and send our utmost sympathy. I enjoyed knowing and working professionally with all of your family for many years while we were in Des Moines. Tara was a beautiful and talented young lady who will be missed by many. May here short time on earth be remembered for her wonderful spirit and may her memories help during this difficult time.
May God bless all of you and give you peace.
Please know you are in our prayers.

Sincerely,
Dave

Christyne Hunter

March 2, 2020

There are a million things I want to say but there arent words to describe you. You were eternally positive, always smiling, always happy. We had many fun nights, fun hikes and awesome workouts. We were pregnant at the same time, Bodie and Aviana are only a couple of months apart. We have leaned on each other and we have propped each other up. The world lost a ray of sunshine my friend. I am going to miss you terribly.

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