Tara Marie Lopes

Tara Marie Lopes passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Midstate Medical Center at the age of 46.
Born September 13, 1977, Tara was the oldest child of Janet Frisco and the late Wesely James Stonier. Growing up in Branford, Connecticut, she helped take care of her two baby brothers, Marc and Christopher Stonier. She attended Branford High School but then later transferred to East Haven High School when she moved in with her grandmother, Janet Frisco, whom she always referred to as her motherly figure.
She had many small jobs throughout her life but nothing as big as the role of being a mother to her five children Michael Vega, Nicole, Alyssa, Brianna, and Isabella Lopes. She was also a dedicated wife to the love of her life, Michael Lopes, whom she was married to for 23 years. They were married on October 18, 2001 at her favorite location, Key West, Florida. Tara was the ultimate helper. If anyone needed a favor, she would do anything in her power to help them. Whether it was just giving a ride to someone to babysitting anyone's baby (but most of the time it was her offering, as she LOVED babies). She loved her family with all of her heart, and always wanted to do anything to make them happy.
She loved doing activities with her nephews and nieces, whom she treated like her kids, as well as hosting events for her family. She would put in so much effort behind the scenes to make sure things were perfect. You will never find any picture evidence of her being anywhere though. Although Tara hated being photographed, she was always happy to take the pictures.
She leaves behind to commemorate her life her husband, Michael Lopes; children, Michael Vega, Nicole, Alyssa, Brianna, and Isabella Lopes; grandmother, Janet Frisco; brothers, Marc and Christopher Stonier; sister in-law, Karen (Donald) Graves; nieces and nephews, Trey (Erica), Tariq, and Aliyah Lopes, Dahni Graves, and Mary (Christopher) Lyncker; and a host of relatives and friends.