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BORN
1934
DIED
2011
Tari Lennon Obituary
Dec. 14, 1934 - Oct. 20, 2011
Tari Lennon, 76, died peacefully at her home in Palm Springs on October 20, 2011. An ordained minister, spiritual guide, activist, seminar speaker, discussion facilitator, world traveler, opera lover, partner, mother, grandmother, friend, mentor and lifelong supporter of the arts, Dr. Lennon was a dynamic force of nature whose energy, intellect and humor inspired and touched many during her long and very abundant life. She was born on December 14, 1934 in Oak Park, Ill. She graduated with a B.A. from Dennison University in Granville, Ohio, and earned her Master of Divinity degree at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York. She was an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ, and from 1958-1964 was Minister of Education at First Congregational Church of Darien, Conn. After moving to California in 1965, Dr. Lennon worked for seven years as a probation officer with the Los Angeles County Probation Department. In 1972, she became Senior Pastor at Church of the Oaks in Thousand Oaks, where she served for 17 years. While in that position, she earned her Doctor of Divinity degree at The Claremont School of Theology. In 1991, she was named Senior Pastor at Neighborhood Congregational Church in Laguna Beach, and served there for 12 years. Upon her retirement from the church in 2003, Dr. Lennon traveled extensively, and facilitated seminars and workshops through her organization, Open Gatherings, which conducted events in Laguna Beach, Idyllwild, and Palm Springs. She was also a member of the Docent Council at the Palm Springs Art Museum. She is survived by Norma McCarty, her partner of 22 years; a daughter, Hope Watterson; and grandchildren, Chloe and Colin of Santa Clarita. She also leaves behind her sister and brother-in-law, Corinne and Mike Claybaugh of Monument, Colo.; her beloved pets, Cooper and Blue; and more friends than one could possibly count. A memorial service celebrating her remarkable life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 5, 2011 at The Church of St. Paul in the Desert, 125 West El Alameda, Palm Springs. Donations honoring Dr. Lennon's memory may be made to Bloom in the Desert Ministries, 3155 E. Ramon Rd., Box 802, Palm Springs, CA 92264.
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Memories and Condolences
for Tari Lennon
MARIANNA KIRWAN
October 26, 2020
To her partner and family, I miss her and think of Tari often. Thanks for sharing her with us all. I loved her preaching, our long drives up to Berkeley for Earl Lectures, 1,000 Oaks days, Laguna Beach , Pilgrim Pines, many great memories, stories, laughs and a few tears, too. She taught me a lot. I am lucky we were friends.
Mom , just when I needed to ask you a few more questions regarding life's quizes?? See ya when I get there , ok mom! Thank you for the morals n the,boundr,es, the dissc ipline for learning as much as I can, n living life to it's fullest! Mom Thank
Tammice aka Casey lennon Mast
May 15, 2018
Casey Lennon n boyfriend oscaraka Ozzy,lol 2017 twentynine palms,CA tari Lennon,s daughter 1980
Kathie Perry
November 4, 2011
God bless Tari. She was an inspiration to living life to the fullest.She always seemed to have a bright light from within her.A heart felt sadness is felt with her passing..God bless you Norma.I am here for you..
Mike Shear
November 3, 2011
She was a flashlight in the dark spaces of my life. For the brief time I knew her she was pure energy. She has and will continue to have a positive effect on me, much like the holy spirit. Please call on me Norma if you need me.
karen redding
November 2, 2011
My heart has felt heavy since hearing the news of Tari's passing last week. I last saw and spent time with her about 6 months ago when she facilitated the memorial for my friend, Judy Anderson's mother, Natalie Zucker. As usual, she was a BRIGHT light with a clear, courageous and compassionate voice. My, how I admire her! She held my family together as well, almost 6 years ago to the day when my father passed (unexpectedly). She held us as a family so well (given some of our own brokenness and fragmentation as a family unit). We NEVER forget those who help us walk through dark places...Tari was one of those people in my life. I bow to her wisdom; her strength & humor; her ability to make viable contact and connection with people from ALL walks of life; her convictions and compassion; and the comfort that she gave to SO MANY of us, in time of great need. May each of us hold her light in some way and continue to bring that consciousness into our world. I remain deeply grateful for all that she IS and to have had the privilege of knowing her. Extending my love and deepest condolences to all whose lives were touched and enriched by her, now and beyond.
karen redding
November 2, 2011
My heart has felt heavy since hearing the news of Tari's passing last week. I last saw and spent time with her about 6 months ago when she facilitated the memorial for my friend, Judy Anderson's mother, Natalie Zucker. As usual, she was a BRIGHT light with a clear, courageous and compassionate voice. My, how I admire her! She held my family together as well, almost 6 years ago to the day when my father passed (unexpectedly). She held us as a family so well (given some of our own brokenness and fragmentation as a family unit). We NEVER forget those who help us walk through dark places...Tari was one of those people in my life. I bow to her wisdom; her strength & humor; her ability to make viable contact and connection with people from ALL walks of life; her convictions and compassion; and the comfort that she gave to SO MANY of us, in time of great need. May each of us hold her light in some way and continue to bring that consciousness into our world. I remain deeply grateful for all that she IS and to have had the privilege of knowing her. Extending my love and deepest condolences to all whose lives were touched and enriched by Tari,
now and beyond. Karen K Redding, Laguna Beach
Geoffry White
November 2, 2011
I only met Tari once (when she officiated at a memorial service for a good friend's mother) about six months ago. However, I have seen and felt the remarkable impact she has had on many other people. She was quite special in combining being very "present", warm and engaging with individuals as well as being engaged in "big picture" political and humanitarian activities. The world could use a lot more Taris. I hope those closest to her get the love they need to support them through their grief.
Marianna Kirwan
November 1, 2011
Sincere condolences to Norma. Tari was "One of a Kind" victorious over many battles, FUNNY. So very bright, so many gifts, such a radiance. So much love for life to share. Among so many memories one of the best: Tari lovingly officiated at our wedding 24 years ago in Redlands. Marianna Kirwan and Michael Lewis
Elaine Wang Meyerhoffer
November 1, 2011
Tari was the definition of charisma -- smart, witty, understanding, intellectual, vivid in presence, perceptive, embracing. Her company was like a glowing light.
November 1, 2011
I haven't seen Tari in many years, we were in college at the same time but I didn't really get to know her uintil we met again in California when she was in Thousand Oaks. I always enjoyed her company and the retreats we attended together at Pilgrim Pines. I have thought of her often and will miss her. Ruth Abel, Woodland Hills CA
November 1, 2011
Tari drew me like a magnet at the first New docent meeting. Her retiring chracter was not at all indicative of the bright, wonderful and charming person I got to know. I will miss her deeply, Jeanne Mazur
Rev Dr Curt Miner
November 1, 2011
Got to know Tari when she was Pastor at our Thousand Oaks UCC back in the mid/late 80s while I was Associate Pastor at Church of the Foothills in Ventura. Tari was a fascinating person ... a fabulous combination of caring pastor, biblical theologian, political & social activist, and "crusty old broad" - all wonderfully mixed into one!
It was an honor to share the journey with her for a while ... until we meet again m'lady.
Richard Bentley
November 1, 2011
Tari touched more lives than we'll ever know. She was generous to all she met, and her spirit of giving and loving will go on forever.
Bob Marlin
November 1, 2011
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Liza Rhodes-Reese
November 1, 2011
we were fortunate enough to spend a weekend retreat with Tari this summer at her home in Idlywild. Tari was a gift to many and an advant gard woman in ministry, family relationships and love - a true blessing to all
Liza Rhodes-Reese
Rev. Dr. Tari Lennon preaching at Bloom.
Rev. Kevin A. Johnson
November 1, 2011
Tari brought great life and Spirit to every setting. She still does. --Rev. Kev
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