Jessie Tarry

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jessie Tarry, who left us peacefully on January 10, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by family. Jessie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Lakewood.
Jessie was born on November 15, 1941, in Little Heart's Ease, Newfoundland to George and Gertrude Norris. She spent her early years in Little Heart's Ease moving as a young child to St. John's, where she graduated high school at Prince of Wales College. Jessie married Edward Tarry in 1961 and moved with him and their growing family to various US Air Force bases in Texas, South Dakota, and Germany before settling in Tacoma, Washington.
Despite all the moves, including times when Edward was stationed overseas apart from his family, Jessie created a loving and nurturing home for her three children: Richard, Scott, and Christa. She fostered a love for learning and a fierce devotion to family. She was affectionately known by everyone in the family as "Momma."
Jessie enjoyed baking, gardening, teaching preschoolers, and working with children in the Awana program. She brought joy and inspiration to those around her.
Jessie was also an avid sports fan, always cheering for the Mariners, the Seahawks, Gonzaga basketball and the University of Oregon Ducks.
Jessie's legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her. She leaves behind a wealth of cherished memories and a profound impact on her family and friends. Jessie's kindness will be remembered and celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Jessie is survived by her three children and their spouses: Richard (Debbie) Tarry, Scott (Mary) Tarry, and Christa (Mike) Sommerfeld; six grandchildren and their spouses: Megan (Garrett) Baldwin, Lauren (Tasean) Cunningham, Olivia (Jordan) Lee, Edward (Marissa) Tarry, Matthew Sommerfeld, and Jackson Sommerfeld; and six great-grandchildren, and countless friends. She is survived by four sisters, a sister-in-law, and three brothers-in law: Vida Linhart, Lloyd Walker, Norma Norris, Zelma (Don) Rixmann, Elsie Wright, and Emily (Tim) Norris-Young. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, two sisters, a brother, and two brothers-in-law.
A special thank you to the staff of Cogir at the Narrows Memory Care and Assisted Living Facility for their excellent care for Jessie's final year of life.
A special thank you to the staff of Continuum Care Hospice for their exceptional respect and care for Jessie in the final months of her life.
A funeral service will be held on February 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery. 18600 SE 240th St. Kent, WA 98042. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Jessie's remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, stjude.org, reflecting Jessie's lifelong commitment to children.
As we mourn the loss of Jessie, we also celebrate her life and the indelible mark she left on the world. Jessie's spirit will continue to inspire us, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.
Rest in peace, Jessie, your memory will forever be a blessing.