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Theresa E. "Tara" Howard

FUNERAL HOME

Harry H. Witzke's Family Funeral Home Inc.

4112 Old Columbia Pike

Ellicott City, Maryland

Theresa Howard Obituary

HOWARD, THERESA E. "Tara"

On January 6, 2006, Tara E. Howard. Beloved daughter of William H. Howard and Linda P. Howard; devoted sister of Philip R. Howard and his wife DeLyza. Family will receive friends Tuesday and Wednesday, 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at HARRY H. WITZKE'S FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, at 11 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection, Ellicott City. Interment St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Tara's name to Church of the Resurrection.

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

Published by The Washington Post from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Theresa Howard

Sponsored by family and friends of Tara Howard.

53 Entries

Linda Howard

March 25, 2009

The Howard family is so VERY grateful for all of the love and support we have received from family, friends, and, yes, strangers over the last 3 years. Tara is still very much alive in our hearts and in the hearts of all of those who help us to continue her community service and social justice work with the annual Homeless Dinners, toiletry drives, and other volunteer work through Tara Howard's Loving Heart & Helping Hands, Inc. Thank you, EVERYONE! We could not have gotten through this far without you!

Maria Louzon

May 25, 2007

Howard Family:
Thank you so much for nominating me for the Tara Howard Building the Kingdom Award / Scholarship. I am extremely honored because I was a friend of Tara's, as you may know. I love doing the community service and leadership, just as Tara did. Now I know why she loved it so much. Just as Mr. Howard said today at the Mount de Sales Honors Assemby, "Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do unto me." I truely believe that statement is EXACTLY how Tara lived. Thank you again, and God Bless. Hope to see you at Church and at Mount de Sales!!

Linda Howard

August 14, 2006

My Dolly,

It's been 7 months, and I seem to miss you more, not less. Trying to carry on your legacy. . .your friends are helping so much. You may not be here with me, but "I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

Lorene Tompros

February 14, 2006

"I dropped a tear in the ocean, when I find it, that is when I'll stop missing you".

Author Unknown

Mona DiMartino

January 14, 2006

Dear Linda,

Brian just told me about Tara. I can't even imagine or bear to think of the loss of one of my boys. Brian and I are both very sorry for your loss. May God bless and comfort you and all of Tara's loved ones and friends.

Brandy Kelley Mary Barrett/Kelley's daughter

January 13, 2006

Linda and Family:

I was so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Find comfort knowing that she is with the Lord and with her grandmother. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with this time of grief. Keep Faith and pray with confidence.

Margaret Adams

January 12, 2006

Dear Howard Family,

I have never attended such a beautiful funeral as Tara's. So many lives touched by one amazing young lady. You all can be so psyched that you have a rock star saint watching out for you in every way, every day. Thank you for sharing her with the world. May

God reward you and be your all. -Margaret Adams, Youth Minister at Our Lady of the Fields

Renee Watley

January 12, 2006

I am sorry I was not able to come up with my mom to be with you all but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love,

Renee Watley

(Dorothy Barrett/Watley's daughter)

Penny Kreh

January 12, 2006

Bill,

I am so so sorry to have heard of your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May God be your strenght at this time and always.

Penny Kreh

C/O Golden Prague Fed S & L Assn.

Jane, Laura & Brian Valdivia

January 12, 2006

To the Howard Family,

We offer our sincere sympathies at this sad time. What a tragedy to lose such a vibrant spirt as Tara's. Laura was a member of the MDSA Class of 2005 and remembers Tara as a kind hearted and spiritual person. Laura says Tara was an inspiration to the class and remembers how she started the Social Justice Club. What a leader she was! May you find peace in your loving memories of her and may God hold you and yours in his hands through the coming days. Rely on your family and friends to help you through this difficult time and know Tara is in heaven always looking down on you. Her spirit lives on in your hearts forever.

Peace be with you all,

The Valdivia Family

Tina Twilley

January 11, 2006

The Howard Family,

Tara was such a great person who has inspired many people. It is sad that she is no longer here, but im sure she is spreading her kindness and looking over each and every one of you. I believe she is truely one of God's finest angels and she will be remember and missed. Her beauty is easily spread and remembered through all of her art work which we all know she devoted time to and was very good at it. You will all be in my prayers.

Marcy Sigurdsen

January 11, 2006

Linda, Bill and family,

Words cannot express my feelings to you on the loss of Tara, especially so soon after your Mother's passing. The last time I saw Tara was at Bobby Upchurch's wedding. I think she was only six or seven at the time, but what a cutie! I'm glad I got to visit with you and Philip in Sykesville in September, and I enjoyed seeing pictures of Tara. She grew into a beautiful woman, and from the accolades on this posting site, she was very much loved by many.

You and your family are in my prayers. My tears are for you all. May she rest in peace.

With love, Marcy

Lew Goode

January 11, 2006

Bill, Linda, Phil, Delyza, Dan, and to all who considered Tara family.

It is with great sadness that we let Tara go where she needs to be. We loved her. She loved us. That was the best gift we gave each other. She shared the gift of herself with so many. Be proud!

May Peace and Love be in your hearts forever!

Jackie Landgraf

January 11, 2006

Dear Linda and family,

What a tragic loss of such a beautiful young lady. I remember Tara coming through the lunch line at Resurrection/St. Paul School and what a wonderful person she was. She will surely be missed but never forgotten. Please accept my thoughts and prayers to you and your family from myself and my family. My girls, knowing Tara, were very upset in hearing of your loss and send their thoughts to the family. Know that she is looking down on all of you and now you have your own special angel to watch over you all.

Jackie Landgraf

Maria Louzon

January 11, 2006

I am so sorry for your loss. Tara and I were very close- if not- best friends. I am now in the class of 2009 at MDS, and Tara is the one who helped me make my descision of to go to MDS or not. Tara was and is a true angel, in everything that she did. Dan her and I always had so much fun talking. I will miss her dearly. MY heart goes out to you and your family.

Anon.

January 11, 2006

I am sorry for your loss. As a student at mount de sales we truly are "one heart, one family" We feel your loss.

You are in our prayers.

God Bless

Tara and Kelly; Graduation Day

January 11, 2006

Graduation

January 11, 2006

Tara and Dan; Senior Prom

January 11, 2006

Senior Prom Group

January 11, 2006

Tara and Dan; Junior Prom

January 11, 2006

Kelly, Tara, and Dan; Senior Prom

January 11, 2006

Tara, Our Angel

January 11, 2006

Josephine Neugebauer

January 11, 2006

Dear Howard Family,

Losing a child is the most devasting experience of your life. It is something you will learn to deal with but never accept. I have a picture of Tara and Laura Neugebauer, her best friend, and to say the least, Tara was a beautiful, exquisit young lady that one feels like they know her without meeting her. God must have very special plans for Tara and you. She will be your Guardian Angel and you will carry her in your heart forever. My Deepest Sympathies.

virginia

January 11, 2006

My hearts aches for you. My grand daughter graduated with Tara and I often picked my grand daughter up from school. Mt. Desales class of 2005 was lovely. I also had a daughter in a near fatal car acccident who survived. That call in the middle of the night is a parents worse nightmare. You are in my prayers.

Mary Bea Kelley

January 11, 2006

Linda,Bill,Phillip and Delyza,

Kelley and I were so sorry to hear of your losing Tara. We cannot imagine the pain you are going through. May God Lay His healing hand upon you and comfort you in your time of need. You are all in our Thoughts and Prayers.

I remember Tara as a young girl. The fun we all had at the Cousins party playing Volley Ball.

Here is a poem that I wrote I would like to share with you.

...The Loss of a Loved One...

The grieving begins and

rightfully so...

But your loved one is having

a party you know...

Beyound the blue skies to a

new home far away...

They sing and they dance no more

pain will they pay...

At the right hand of the Father

they sit and they wait ...

To be reunited with family and so...

You'll have your good moments, you'll have sad moments too...

But remember your loved one is

..HOLDING A SPECIAL PLACE FOR YOU..

I love you

Mary Bea

T-houghtfull beyound her years

A-lways putting everyone before her

R-eady to help others

A-ngel that she is in Heaven Now

Melinda Press

January 10, 2006

Dear Bill,

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless.

Sincerely,

Melinda Press

Mary Howard

January 10, 2006

Dear Bill,

I was so sorry to hear from my mother that you lost your daughter in such a tragic way. My heart breaks for you and your family. Our hearts and prayers go out to your family.

Mary and Cliff Howard

Lauren Pajak

January 10, 2006

Mr. and Mrs. Howard,

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Tara was such a sweet, unselfish and compassionate girl. I remember sitting after school with her all the time because we both had to wait for our rides until at least 4. Once in a while she would even take me to Resurrection since my mom worked there. We would talk about all kinds of things and i know that she loved her family a lot. I will cherish the memories i had with her, as i'm sure you'll cherish yours as well. God Bless you all. I Love You Tara

Mr. & Mrs. Carr

January 10, 2006

Our hearts break from your loss. God Bless

Patrick sprankle

January 10, 2006

Howards:

So sorry to hear of your incredible loss. My prayers are with you, that you might know God's healing and loving presence during this very difficult time.

Jennifer Zinkand Gower

January 10, 2006

Our family is so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of Tara. We did not know her, but know she had to be a wonderful person from all we have read and heard about her. We recently lost my cousin in an accident and we unfortunately know how horrible this is. We hope God will help you through these difficult days.

Anonymous

January 10, 2006

To the Howard Family:

I never met your daughter, but I was sadden to read about her in the paper. My prayers are with you.

Kelly Wetzel

January 10, 2006

Mr. and Mrs. Howard,

I am so sorry for your loss. Tara was a wonderful person, and an amazing artist. I took art classes with Tara at Mount de Sales and was amazed at her positive outlook every single day. She was never without a smile on her face, she always brightened my day. Know that though she is gone, your daughter has made a lasting imprint on the world through all of the lives that she has touched.

My prayers are with you,

Kelly

Nikia Gaskins

January 10, 2006

To The Howard Family,

From the moment that I had the opportunity to meet Tara, it was a privilege and so easy to understand her family's pride. A young woman of such intelligence, kindness, and generosity of spirit was a living testament to witnessing an "Angel" on earth. I could never imagine your loss, but I believe that Tara's light is only going to shine bigger and brighter now. It was an honor to have known her and receive a little of that light. My prayers and love are with your family!

Annette Brewer

January 10, 2006

Linda,

My heart breaks for you and your family. As a mother, I cannot begin to imagine the pain you must have in your heart. To know you, was to know Tara. I could see the twinkle in your eyes when you spoke her name. Tara was truly a young woman who lived beyond her years with all of her many accomplishments. My prayers are with you and your family during this painful time. She will live on forever in the hearts of many.

God bless you and your family,

Stephanie Albright

January 10, 2006

Dear Bill and family,

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. We send our heartfelt condolences.

Bill and Stephanie Albright

Lauren Wetzel

January 9, 2006

I will never forget freshman year and first getting to know Tara when we both managed the basketball team together. She loved helping out and always put her time towards helping others. We had many classes together which revealed to me how intelligent and hard working she is. My favorite memories include English senior year with all of our long talks, and fun skits we put on together. I truly believe that God was in need of a hand willing to help others as much as Tara would, up in heaven by his side. She is truly an example to all of us, and will always be remembered. I love and miss you, Tara. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Kelly Snell

January 9, 2006

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Howard,

I loved Tara with all my heart and i miss her. No words can explain her imprint on this world but it was a great one. You were wonderful parents because she was the most gorgeous woman anyone could have every met. She was our own living angel when she was alive and is now our gaurdian angel guiding us through God's light. One of my earliest memories of Tara was in 6th grade. I had slept over and Tara and i spent the day making dolls...Of course knowing me i was impatient and wanted to see that finished project...but Tara was the patient one, in the time that it took me to make the entire doll it took her to sew up one single arm. She has always been like that though the patient one. And she handed some of that gift over to me (even though i still have my moments). I will love her always and will always be there for you both.

Love Always,

Kelly

Kathleen Griffin

January 9, 2006

This is something i never thought i would be doing for one of my classmates. Tara was such a bright and happy person to be around. Whenever I came to class sad she would always be there to help make me smile or just to talk to (even when we got in trouble for talking too much)! Tara the class of '05 misses you soo much hunnie...you are such an amazing person and so unforgettable. We love you!! praying for you everyday<33

Kathleen MDS c/o 2005

Elizabeth Ko

January 9, 2006

Tara was one of the most selfless people I have ever known. She spent countless hours performing community service, and genuinely never expected anything in return. She was also incredibly smart and talented, and I had the fortune to be in many classes with her, especially in art class, where her creativity always shone through! She will be missed greatly.

To her entire family--my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sharon Howard/Hughes

January 9, 2006

Dearest Bill (Cuz)

I cannot express the pain I felt when I heard of your loss. I know all to well this pain. I am so so sorry. Please know that you and your entire family will be in my prayers. If I can help in any way please please call me. I met Tara once and she seemed like an angel to me. May Tara be at peace with her creator.............

God Bless Bill,

Sharon Howard-Hughes

Natalie Coccagna

January 9, 2006

Dr. Mr. and Mrs. Howard,

I am an alumni of Mount de Sales Academy and I along with many of the girls were shocked and saddened by your loss. I remember Tara as a sweet, fun loving, and genuine young lady. I along with all of the other girls are praying for you and the rest of your family to have strength and peace to get through this difficult time.

Your in our thoughts and prayers always.

Melissa Nauman

January 9, 2006

Tara was a awesome friend for 4 years. She was always there for anyone who needed help no matter what, so many times she sat there with me and listened to me cry or was just there with a smile...she is going to be greatly missed. Tara you were an awesome young woman and I am so thankful that I shared 4 years of my life with you. I love you so much and I know your at heaven right now smiling down on us. Mount 05 forever!! All my prayers are with you Ms. Linda.

Brittani Kaufman

January 9, 2006

Tara..Wow..I never thought that I would be leaving a message on here for one of my fellow classmates. One thing is certain, you will NEVER be forgotten. You were one of the sweetest, most genuine girls I have ever met. You always were the one lending a helping hand to others when they needed it the most. I keep remembering all of our classes we had over the past four years at de sales. Gym class was so much fun with aerobics and Mrs. G, spanish class with Mr. Payne, yes I was so bad I had to sit up in the front facing the class next to him. Senior year you were my Archaeology partner! Everytime that you came to class I was never there and vice versa. So needless to say, we never accomplished anything, yet you still received an A, like always. You always helped me out in that class because you were so smart. Always talking to each other about our boyfriends to exchanging senior portraits with one another. The classic one..."I'm so pale"..you always made sure to pull up your sleeve and reassure me that "This is pale Brittani!". You were always so supportive towards me through the whole Katie situation and I will never forget you! Just know you will be forever in our hearts! God only takes the BEST!

..it aint fair you died to young..

*One of Heavens finest* Love you!

Susan Jones

January 9, 2006

Bill

There are no words that express the sorrow I feel for you and your family. My prayers are with you as you walk this road of sorrow and may God be with you to confort and guide you.

Ashley Albrecht

January 9, 2006

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Howard, Phil and Delyza,

My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Tara was one of the most amazing people in my life. She had so much to give to the world and in the amount of time she was here on earth, she gave so much. I am so very thankful to God to have had her in my life. She was like another sister to me and you like my second family. I am so very sorry for your loss. She is where she belongs and forever will be remembered by many. Much love, Ashley

Linda Kolarik

January 9, 2006

Linda, hearing of your loss, and on top of your mother, well it took my breath away. I cannot imagine your family's feelings. I am so sorry for your loss. I met Tara at Church and chatted with her at the Adopt-a-family events. You raised a sweet and caring lady. She filled the room with love, light and sunshine. Though God will not erase your sorrow, he gave you all a multitude of memories and when you are ready Tara will return to you in your dreams as a warm and comforting embrace. Please know that Don and I will keep you in our prayers.

Cathy O'Boyle

January 9, 2006

Please know that we are praying for your family at what must be a most difficult time. Our daughters Colleen '03 and Erin '04) were students at Mount de Sales and Erin had the privilege of participating in several classes with Tara. In addition Tara was the Manager on the Basketball Team with Erin. Erin remembers Tara as a friendly, bright, thoughtful and caring person.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face.

And the rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

An Irish Blessing

In Sympathy,

The O'Boyle Family

Brian Petry

January 9, 2006

Words could never adequately express the profound sense of loss and grief I feel upon learning about the sudden loss of Linda's daughter, Tara. Tara was the light of Linda's life; she will be missed by all who knew her.

Lisa Brightwell

January 9, 2006

Dear Bill and family -- I was so very sorry to hear such devastating news. Please take care. I will pray for peace and strength to find you.

Maryellen Polvino-Bodnar

January 9, 2006

My deepest sympathies to you at this time. I was a teacher at MDS for Tara's first 2 years. She was a delightful young woman with a captivating personality.

Mona Linthicum Kelly

January 8, 2006

Dear Bill, Yvette notified me of the tragic death of your daughter. I regret that my living in N.E. has kept me from seeing our group from Holy Cross over the years and from getting to know each other's children. I'm sorry I can't be there to be of some support to you during this difficult time. I hope the faith we were raised with will support you thru the days ahead. My heart goes out to you, your son and Tara's mother and I will keep you all in my prayers.

With fond memories and sincere sympathy, Mona and John Kelly

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