Tara Norell, 65, of Erie, died on Monday November 30, 2015 at St. Vincent Health Center surrounded by family and friends during her last 48 hours. She was born in Erie on May 26, 1950 a daughter of JoAnne Russell Crandall (Phil) and the late Russell J. Norell, Sr.
She was a longtime resident of the Barber National Institute and especially enjoyed the years she worked in the kitchen and Courtyard Café. Tara was a woman of deep faith. Until limited in mobility, she was a member of the House of Prayer Community and enjoyed Saturday morning Mass and fellowship. She also worshipped with the Sisters of Mercy and truly loved the sisters and time she spent with them.
She was a caring and giving person. Whenever she heard of a need, she wanted to know if should could send money. She loved shopping with Sr. Michele for the House of Mercy's Christmas Store and Spring Tea. She was an animal lover, enjoyed shopping and going out to eat.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her sister, Denise White.
Survivors include her guardian and friend, Barbara Edwards, and Barbara's family including, Gail and Don Ploetz (Anneliese and Jordan Plyler; Trevor and Ashley Ploetz; Olivia and Alexia Ploetz) and Carol Edwards; her mother, JoAnne Crandall and her stepfather Phil Crandall; and the residents and staff of Pin Oak Group Home.
Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. and are invited to a Funeral Mass celebrating her life at Our Lady of Mercy Chapel at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, 444 E. Grandview Blvd., on Thursday at 4:45 p.m..
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the House of Mercy, 2005 Woodlawn Ave., Erie, 16510; House of Prayer, 159 W. 4th St., Erie, 16507; or the Sisters of Mercy Ministry Fund, 444 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, 16504.
A special thanks to Barbara's friends, Linda Johnson and Mary Louise Imbruglio for their support of Tara in her final hours. Additional thanks to the doctors and staff of the emergency room and 8 North at St. Vincent Health Center, and Karen Dunn and Linda Saccamozzone who have provided much support over the past months.