PITTSFIELD and PORTLAND – Tara Robinson Bachrach died at home Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 2007. She succumbed after three years to the effects of treatment for a malignant brain tumor. Tara fought for her life to the end, never wanting to be less than she could be. Born in Waterville, she was the daughter of Mildred and Alfred Bachrach. Tara graduated seventh in her class at Maine Central Institute in 1996, magnum cum laude from the University of New Hampshire Honors Program in 2000, and received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Maine School of Law in 2003. A member of the Cherokee Tribe of Oklahoma, she served as president of the Native American Law Student Association. Tara was a person who lived to achieve, to be a friend, a daughter, a sister and a colleague. Being a person of character was always foremost in her mind. After receiving her law degree, Tara worked for Gateway Title Co. She then returned to the work force last July for Cornerstone Title Co., and became manager of their new company, Neighborhood Land and Title. She was admired and loved at work, and had many supportive friends at the Cumberland and York Registries of Deeds. Tara was fortunate to meet and subsequently marry Aaron Mehuren. Aaron gave her some normalcy, love and support during the last two years. With their dog, Oliver, they made their home in Portland. She was cared for and supported by her brother, Jared; and her sister, Trinity, who with her mom and dad love her dearly. Tara is also survived by her maternal grandmother, Catherine Huisman of Pittsfield and Fort Meyers, Fla.; her paternal grandmother, Katherine Bachrach of Newtown, Mass.; her great-aunt, Betsy Huisman of Eastchester, N.Y.; her aunts and uncles, Susan Centofanti and George Bachrach of Watertown, Mass., Fran and Ed Shifman of Newtown, Mass., Lynn and Edward Riddlehoover of Marietta, Ga.; as well as cousins, Harry and Sam Bachrach, Ward, Mynette and Nicole Shiftman and Johnathan Tongyai. She is also survived by her “aunt,” Evelyn Pierce of Bangor; and her “grandfather,” Bud Siegmund of Detroit. The Bachrach family has been supported by the entire community of Pittsfield, which Tara always said was very special. The staff of MSAD No. 53, the administration and the school board have been there every step of the way giving support and caring anyway they could. Dale Penny and Sons, the staff of Northeast Environmental Services and others too many to mention, did all of the difficult jobs needed to make her parent’s home ready for her. Marilyn Cooper and Kim Croteau kept the home going. Her close friends, Jen and Noel, Nate and Kelly, Archie and Julie, Anissa, Jess, Julie, Linda, Sarah, Kelly and Denise stayed with her until the end. She will be sorely missed by them, especially Jen, who was Tara’s best friend since college. Her family gives their thanks to the doctors who tried to save her, especially Dr. James Wilson; Dr. Jeffery Young, Dr. Alan Weiner and his assistant, Susan; Dr. Tracey Weisberg and her staff, Dixie and Dawn; and Dr. Annick Desjardins of Duke University. Tara also mentioned many times that she was grateful to dentist, Dr. George Gordon, for saving her smile during the years of treatment. The family is also grateful to the staff of Health Reach, especially Cindy, who cared for her so tenderly; Chaplain Julian who cared for the entire family; their close and loving friends, Bud Oviatt, Jane Woodruff, Marisa Weinstein, Marilyn Buzy, Mike and Ruth Vigue, Donna Chale, Peter and Heidi Frost, Ann Benson and Meredith Albright, Rena and Royden Hodgins, John and Elaine Olsen, and “Aunt” Evelyn Pierce, without whose support things would have been unbearable. In the darkness of the two months there was an angel called Rebecca Dunton, whose skill, caring and professionalism made sure that Tara had the best of personal care and her family constant daily support until the end. A service celebrating her life will be held 3:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at First Universalist Church, Pittsfield. Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Bachrach family farm, Dogtown Road, Detroit. Tara was a voracious reader. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the Pittsfield Library Building Fund, care of Donna Chale, Warsaw Middle School, 167 School St., Pittsfield ME 04967. Arrangements are entrusted to Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, 191 Hartland Ave., Pittsfield. “My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes and, oh my friends- It gives a lovely light!” Edna St. Vincent Millay
TARA ROBINSON BACHRACH
