Tara Elaine DeGraff

We are deeply saddened to report that our daughter Tara passed away unexpectedly at her home in West Seattle on May 23, 2025.

In her 52 years, she lived a life full of adventure, curiosity, and compassion. From managing Rock Climbing gyms and teaching students, to studying wooden boat construction at the NW School of Wooden Boat Building in Port Townsend and to falling in love with the study of cheese so she could become a certified cheese monger. These last years, she was teaching herself Swedish and the Greek languages as these were two countries she visited and loved.

When she was very young, she left a note for her mom that read “dearest mommy, I’m out in the woods playing with my work”. And that was how she viewed the world; always a serious person who wanted to have joy in everything she did. She loved everything in the natural world and her happiest times were in the woods and beaches of the Northwest spending time with her family and friends.

When Death Comes by Mary Oliver (excerpt)

When its over, I want to say: all my life

I was a bride to amazement.

I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.

When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder

If I have made of my life something particular, and real.

I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened,

or full of argument.

I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.

Tara did not just visit this world; she engaged with all her heart. A special thank you to those in her life that always showed up for her with love and understanding. Our family will be forever grateful.

Tara is survived by her mother Victoria Nelson and stepfather John McNulty, and an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -