Tara Marie Quigley

Tara Marie Quigley

Tara Quigley Obituary

Published by Houston Chronicle from Jul. 14 to Jul. 15, 2012.
Tara Marie Quigley passed away on July 11, 2012 after a difficult thirteen month battle with colon cancer. Tara is survived by her mother Jan Quigley, her father Joseph Valentine Quigley, sister Karen Quigley Micciulla of New York City, brother Joseph Shaun Quigley of Houston, sister Kathleen Quigley Klein of Boston, sister Beth Quigley Benefield of Houston, sister Molly Ann Quigley of Houston, her husband of twenty-three years Shaw Cranfield, her beloved children Ryan Cecile Cranfield, Aaron Jan Cranfield, Julian Laver Cranfield and many nieces and nephews.
Tara was born in Indianapolis Indiana on July 22, 1960. Tara's family moved to Houston in 1975 after living in several cities in the Northeast. Tara graduated from Memorial Senior High School in 1978 and The University of Texas at Austin in 1982 with a B.A. in English.
After college Tara returned to Houston and began a career in the floral business. She managed several different flower shops and opened her own business in 1985. In the beginning, Tara's tiny one bedroom apartment was her shop, her refrigerator was the flower cooler and her old unairconditioned VW Bug was her delivery vehicle. Without the benefit of a start up loan and very little capital Tara Quigley Florist became one of the best and most successful floral businesses in Houston over the next thirty plus years. Tara's uncanny combination of artistic talent, business acumen, excellent people skills and hard work created a long list of happy and satisfied brides and clients.
Tara was a great daughter, a loving sister, a wonderful wife and a fantastic mother. She always tried to help people in need, whether it was a family member or a person she barely knew. It was her ability to let the love and kindness within her flow into others that made Tara so special and remarkable. God bless you Tara. We love you.
A Funeral Mass will be held for Tara at St. Cecila Catholic Church,
11720 Joan of Arc, Houston, TX 77024, on Wednesday July 18 at 10:30 am. The Most Reverend Bishop Vincent Rizzotto celebrant will say Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77030 or please go to Houstonhospice.org.

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

Sign Tara Quigley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 27, 2012

Cecile and Rinse Brink posted to the memorial.

July 25, 2012

Someone posted to the memorial.

July 25, 2012

Someone posted to the memorial.

Cecile and Rinse Brink

July 27, 2012

So sorry to hear about Tara's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

July 25, 2012

I share in the sorrow of your loss and pray that the Holy Spiri will surround the family at this very sad time. My deepest sympathy is sent to Jill and to all her family.

Jill's Aunt Joyce, West Lafayette, Indiana

July 25, 2012

Her life aas not ended, it has just begun.

Pat, Fiona and Regan Quigley

Chris and Angie Quigley

July 25, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tara's family and all of the Texas Quigleys. We are so sorry for your loss. Tara was a beautiful person inside and out. Time and miles don't erase great memories. Rest in peace.

Tish Long

July 25, 2012

Dear Quigley Family,
I'm Jerry's sister-in-law. My thoughts are with all of you, as they have been through Tara's journey. God bless all of you as Tara now smiles down lovingly on each of you.

Erin Quigley

July 25, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with Tara's family.I used to love going to Houston to visit my older cool cousins.Even though I towered over Tara in my teen years..I always looked up to her. I admired her sassy spirit and quick wit! I have wonderful memories of her taking me out on the town and throwing whipper snappers at pedestrians in the city! Her funny, loving, independent presence will be missed. Much love to all the Quigley cousins and Tara's husband and children.

Shelley Stolaroff Segal

July 19, 2012

It's been decades since I've seen Tara. I remember her quick wit and sardonic sense of humor in high school. I'm sure she was a beautiful, creative, floral designer and an equally beautiful wife, mother, and daughter. I am so sorry for your loss. "May the memory of the righteous be a blessing."

Allison Anderson

July 18, 2012

Short and sassy - her hair, her height, and her personality- that's how I remember Tara. We didn't know one another well, but Tara was clever and fun, in my memory. Shaw, my great sympathy to you, your children and the Quiqley and Cranfield families. I'm sending prayers to all of you and to Tara. We'll never understand such tremendous, premature loss. May God grant all Tara's friends and family whatever peace is possible, at this moment and beyond, Allison Anderson

July 18, 2012

"Tara, you have left an everlasting positive impression on your niece, Faith. For that I am truly grateful." Kathy Q. (Sugar Land, TX)

Anne Furbush Curran

July 17, 2012

Although it has been many years since I have had the pleasure of spending time with Tara, I know she filled many lives with so much love and laughter. I will always remember her beautiful smile and her fun sense of humor in our high school days! WeVe all been blessed to have had her in our lives. My love and prayers to Shaw and all of her family

Laura Brisben

July 17, 2012

Tara was an incredibly amazing person. I feel blessed and honored to have been her cousin. Tara had a unique way of bringing joy to every moment. My prayers and sympathy are with her entire family. Tara will be greatly missed and never forgotten. The end of the Irish blessing is as follows, ..."and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand"-with love, Laura (Quigley-Holmes) Brisben

Gala Croft

July 17, 2012

To Tara's family and friends, Tara is a part of my heart as well as yours her love for life,friends,family and God will be evident in the beauty around us because she brought beauty and comfort to us through her floral artistry. Tara knew of God's goodness and grace and called upon her friends to pray to God for her healing and her family. Today our hearts are broken but when we see Tara again we will rejoice. May peace and understanding of God's ways give all comfort. Love, Gala Holt Croft

Lisa S.

July 17, 2012

I was saddened to read about Tara in the Chronicle. She was the florist for my wedding in 1989 at Palmer Episcopal church and did a beautiful job. I remember fondly how calm and reassuring she was as we selected my flowers. She found the most fragrant and beautiful peonies for me. Sending my sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Sonya Sullivan

July 17, 2012

Tara created beauty wherever she went. Such a lovely person, she's gone too soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Shaw, their children and family. God bless you.

Missy Holmes

July 17, 2012

Tara, “my witty Texas cousin” you will never be forgotten. I have wonderful memories of our childhood visits - we always had a great time. In my heart, you will forever remain. My thoughts and prayers go out to family and to everyone that Tara's life touched.

katie stewart

July 17, 2012

Dear Shaw, Ryan, Aaron and Julian,
Your wife, your mother was a very unique person. She had the courage to fulfill her dreams and through her creativity, can you imagine how many smiles and how much happiness came from each of her beautiful bouquets. She gave so much in such a short period of time. God bless each of you during this sorrowful time.

Ned and Kate Higgins

July 16, 2012

We were so saddened to hear about Tara. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Debra Smith

July 16, 2012

Memories of lovely Tara resonate to the far corners of the world as here in Perth, Australia a former ADPi friend mourns your struggle. The beauty you brought to so many has brought joy and smiles endlessly. With great sympathy to your dear family and in God's name, may you rest in peace, Debra Smith Long

Janice Webb-McCann

July 15, 2012

Our thoughts & prayers go out to the family. May your healing begin.

July 15, 2012

Some people and some names you never forget. Tara is one of them. She was one of the most pleasant and creative ladies I ever had the pleasure of working with - back in the 1980's when she was just starting out. Our career paths separated after that, but I am blessed that they once crossed. My sincere sympathies to all of her loved ones in this loss. She was way too young to leave us. Love and peace! Betty Verdino

Dan Muschalik

July 15, 2012

Knowing that Tara is now in heaven where there is no pain or sickness, gives comfort to those who knew her. She is in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God Bless each of you,
The Muschalik's

Amy Kerbow Sedano

July 15, 2012

Tara was a true artist. My wedding and reception were all the more beautiful because of her expertise with flowers. She took nature and made it even better. My sympathies to her family and friends.

July 15, 2012

My condolences to the family of Tara. May you continue to reflect on the wonderful memories you cherish of your dear loved one. Also there will be a end to all sicknesses that sometimes ends in death.

Andrew Mears

July 15, 2012

Tara, thank you for being the wonderful person that you are. I will always have fond memories of you. It's time to start your new life in heaven. God bless you and your family,

Mimi Carrington

July 15, 2012

Tara had the courage of a lioness. I feel fortunate to have been able to cross paths with her one last time. Peace, to darling Tara, her loving family and countless friends.

Camille and Ron Factor

July 15, 2012

We so enjoyed working with Tara preparing for the great celebration of Easter at St.Cecelia.May God our Father be a Holy Comfort to Tara and to all of her loved ones now and forever. With tenderness and hope filled prayers, Camille and Ron Factor

July 14, 2012

Tara, we will all miss your inimitable feistiness. Love you so. Tricia

Clara Vaclavik

July 14, 2012

Tara. you were always so happy and full of life. This world has lost a great and sweet lady.

Liz Rotan

July 14, 2012

God bless you.

Cheri Lusby Hardin

July 14, 2012

"When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or in the life of another." I had the privilege of working for Tara in the early 90's. The invaluable life wisdom and unbelievable work ethic that she was so gracious to share has shaped my life even to this day.

Clare Teas

July 14, 2012

Tara,
It was honor to live next door to you. You will forever live in spirit,and in our hearts on Drake street.

Tod Sawtelle

July 14, 2012

Tara, you were and will forever be my second sister. I could always come to you for advice on things great and small and know afterwards that our talks would end with a smile and everything would be all right. You were always there for me, and no doubt for countless others that you graced throughout your life. Your selflessness is an inspiration to us all. Knowing you for all these years has been a real gift. My family and your family will always be bound by wonderful memories, great love and friendship. You will be forever missed!

Alison Bell

July 14, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about this. Tara was a beautiful and gifted artist and worked with my mother, Nanette Ayres, at St. John the Divine. My mom thought so much of her and enjoyed working with her on so many weddings. We are keeping the boys and your family in our prayers.

Ross Spence

July 13, 2012

Tara, thank you for the wonderful life you shared with all your family and friends.

Cyndy Cordray

July 13, 2012

We love you

Penny Sterling Shelby

July 12, 2012

Tara, you will always be my friend who was warm, witty, sarcastic, intuitive, creative, smart, modest, and so much fun to be around. Your uniform of clogs, straight leg levi's and a button down will forever be ingrained in my memory. Love and Peace.

Howard Cordray

July 12, 2012

Tara. We love you and you will always be in our hearts! Your legacy will be what an amazing mother, wife and friend you have been!!!! We love you the Cordrays

Fran Story

July 12, 2012

To my sweet ADPi little sis. Love you, Squid.

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Sign Tara Quigley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 27, 2012

Cecile and Rinse Brink posted to the memorial.

July 25, 2012

Someone posted to the memorial.

July 25, 2012

Someone posted to the memorial.