Tara Bernard-Stiehl passed away on November 6, 2020 at the age of 53, following a courageous battle with an extended illness, which she fought long and hard, just as she had lived.
Tara was born on February 24, 1967 in Yonkers, NY, to her beloved parents, Eileen and Denis Bernard. Tara leaves behind her heartbroken husband Jeff, whom she married in 2011 after 20 years of friendship. She is survived by her mother, Eileen, and brother, Christopher. Tara was a proud aunt to Ian, Erik, Adrianna and Laura.
She maintained friendships that lasted a lifetime. Tara dedicated her life to serving those around her, spending more than 20 years in public service in Westchester County Government. She was well respected for her work as a chief political strategist on local and state campaigns, as well as a senior policy advisor to multiple County lawmakers.
Tara was a true force of nature. Spirited and unwavering, she displayed tireless devotion in every aspect of her life. From her professional contributions to the support and mentorship she extended to others, especially her loved ones. Exceedingly strong, smart, kind, funny, genuine and unforgettable. Tara will always be remembered as an exceptional woman, who left a lasting impact on those who were lucky enough to know her. She will be forever missed.
Calling Hours: 3 to 6 pm, Monday, November 9, 2020
In Lieu of Flowers: Donations may be made in Tara's memory to Cancer Research at Cancer.org
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Judith Saltiel says
November 7, 2020 at 5:42 pmMy dear sweet Tara, for 31 years you’ve been my very best friend, my confidant, my sister. You’ve made my life richer than any treasure on earth. I will love you for all eternity & I will see you again in heaven. May god keep you safe and at peace in his arms.
To Jeff. Eileen, Christopher, Maureen Kathleen, all of her family. and friends, my deepest sympathy for your loss. We will never be the same..
eileen bernard says
November 14, 2020 at 3:02 pmThank you Judy. You have been very close to Tara and she was very thankful for your support.
Denis Bernard says
November 15, 2020 at 7:56 pmSo sad to hear about Tara Eileen. Best wishes and sympathy from Megumi, Kyle and Denis in Japan.
Jackie Keane says
November 8, 2020 at 10:39 amDeath leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. I will miss you my sweet, funny dear cousin Tara. I will always remember you singing “on the road again” to me every time we spoke on the phone and you calling me Jackeeee every time you saw me’. To Jeff, Aunt Eileen and Chris my deepest condolences and I hope to be able to celebrate Tara properly one day soon with the entire family at the Jersey Shore. Just as she would have wanted it. Love Jackie Keane
eileen bernard says
November 14, 2020 at 3:05 pmBeautiful message Jackie. Thank you. Aunt Eileen
Michele Talerico says
November 8, 2020 at 1:16 pmTo Jeff, Eileen, Christopher, Maureen, Kathleen and to all who knew and loved Tara, May the Lord provide you with comfort during this time of loss. I’m so sorry to have heard of the struggles of the illness that impacted such a loving soul.
Tara will always have a special place in my heart, and memories of her shall always include the sound of her laughter, the light that shined through her eyes and her spirit, with her love for people. Tara blessed many by simply being Tara, and now as she is blessed up above with all the saints and angels, may heaven celebrate joyfully through piano playing, followed by dancing, singing and laughter. God bless you all.
eileen bernard says
November 14, 2020 at 3:07 pmThank you Michele for your lovely message.
Karen rooney says
November 8, 2020 at 4:03 pmTara, so many call you a best friend, because you were the Best, most true, loyal, and loving person anyone knew. We all are so lucky to have you in our lives, I am positive every person who knew you would say you are “one of a kind” . I wish I could have taken your suffering away, but you are at peace now and we are left here to somehow carry on. I hope you are with our Dads by now and smiling and laughing . You brought so much joy to anyone lucky enough to spend time with you, so funny, so sweet and caring. I am so sad and devastated that I couldn’t be there to hold your hand and be with you in the hospital. I love you with all my heart, and pray we will see each other on the other side. Eileen, Jeff, Chris, Maureen, and Kay I am so sorry For all you have been through and that I can not be with you to say goodbye in person.
Karen Rooney
eileen bernard says
November 14, 2020 at 3:23 pmKaren, You were with Tara all through her many illnesses. She phoned you in the middle of the night when she was alone and frightened.. You did so much more than hold her hand. You held her heart. We love you
Pat Milo says
November 9, 2020 at 12:46 pmOur funny wonderful friend Tara, you left us with much courage, grace and dignity. We miss you already! So lucky and blessed to have you in our lives for 40 plus years and you certainly made them a lot more fun and happy. I will miss all the laughs. I am sure my dad will be singing you lots of Irish songs in heaven…how he loved to tease you 🙂 I will think of you often…rest in peace my lovely friend.
Condolences to the many who will miss you but most of all Jeff, your loving husband and your Mom, Eileen.
eileen bernard says
November 14, 2020 at 3:30 pmPat, Your message is so reassuring. I can just picture your Dad singing to her and Denis and Richie in the chorus.all happy in heaven. Eileen
eileen bernard says
November 14, 2020 at 3:42 pmPat, How she loved your humor. You always made her laugh. We were so lucky to have the Rooney’s as our friends. ? Thank you.
Jennifer Burke Lindros says
November 9, 2020 at 12:51 pmI was so sad to hear of Tara’s passing! Tara was larger than life, if she was in the room-you knew it! Our time spent together at Ursuline was filled with a little mischief and a lot of laughter! I will never forget her beautiful spirit! Love you Tara, – “Burkie”
eileen bernard says
November 14, 2020 at 3:49 pmShe loved being with you and her friends at Ursuline. I know you had a lot of laughs together.
Jennifer D'Anna-Boyce says
November 9, 2020 at 3:54 pmI am so sad to hear of Tara’s passing. We were neighbors and friends on Devoe Avenue for many years. I have many great memories being together growing up. My condolences to Eileen and Chris!
eileen bernard says
November 14, 2020 at 3:35 pmThank you Jennifer. She enjoyed being with you and her friends at Ursuline. She is out of her pain and with her Dad in heaven.
eileen bernard says
November 14, 2020 at 7:39 pmThank you Jennifer. Tara and Chris enjoyed many happy days on Devoe. They loved that your parents allowed them in your pool. Tara is out of her pain and with her Dad in heaven.
Mike Morey says
November 9, 2020 at 4:03 pmTara was someone who I respected and adored. Someone who in the middle of a campaign I could find levity and (inappropriate) humor with. She was viscously loyal to her friends and those she worked with. She has an amazing sense of humor and amazing instincts. She was sweet, loving, and just all around wonderful. I will greatly miss her. She truly was, one of a kind. xo
Kathleen Murphy says
November 9, 2020 at 7:02 pmOur Condolences to Tara’s Husband , Eileen, Chris & family & all Tara’s extended family.
At Dheis De go Raibh Si..Reunited with our friend your Dad. Love Kathleen & Pat.
Barbara Tartaglia says
November 11, 2020 at 3:43 pmMy hope Tara is that you are reading all of these condolences and know what an impact you had on so many lives . You fought long and hard to stay with us , especially your wonderful husband Jeff who was by your side throughout all your pain. I remember your mother saying when she stayed with you at Christmas that she never saw a happier couple . You were lucky to have found such love in your life but that is because you deserved it .. We all are left here in disbelief that your are gone . May you be at peace and watch over all of us until we meet again . Jeff, Eileen , Chris , Maureen and Kay I will be praying for you and hope you find peace in all the wonderful memories of Tara .
Joan & Danny Finnegan says
November 11, 2020 at 6:16 pmDeepest Sympathy to Jeff, Eileen, Chris, Kay. Maureen and all Tara’s extended family. We cherish the memories growing up with our kids on Tibbetts Rd. We love and miss you. Rest in peace in Heaven with
your Dad.
eileen bernard says
November 14, 2020 at 2:58 pmThank you to all the Finnegan’s. You have been such wonderful friends through the years. Eileen
eileen bernard says
November 14, 2020 at 2:37 pmThank you to all our family, friends and Tara’s associates. My heart is broken at the passing of my darling daughter Tara. Your kind words are so appreciated. Eileen
Joan and Brendan OBrien Ireland. says
November 14, 2020 at 4:39 pmJeff, Eileen, Chris, Kathleen and Maureen
Please accept our very sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear Tara. We are holding you very close to our hearts at this sad time. Joan and Brendan O’Brien. Ireland.
John and Margaret Bernard says
November 15, 2020 at 5:43 amEileen, Jeff and all the Bernard family, our deepest condolences to you all on the passing of your beloved Tara, may she RIP, we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time, John and Margaret Bernard ,Innishannon,Cork Ireland
Fiona O'Brien says
November 15, 2020 at 8:34 amEileen, Chris and Jeff
So sorry to hear of Tara’s passing. She sounds like she was such a wonderful person. Thinking of you. Fiona OBrien, Ireland (Joan and Brendan daughter) .
Orla O Brien says
November 15, 2020 at 1:57 pmDear Eileen,
My sincere sympathy to you & all of Tara’s family, relatives & friends. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
May Tara rest in peace,
Orla (O ‘ Brien), Galway, Ireland
Joseph Bernard says
November 16, 2020 at 2:09 pmMy deepest Eileen to you Jeff, Chris and Maureen. Tara was very good to me when I needed help in New York and I will forever be grateful.
Thinking of ye all at this time.
Kind Regards,
Joe and Kate
Gene McCarthy says
December 6, 2020 at 1:51 pmDear Eileen, Christoper, Jeff and all Tara’s family and friends, we send our sincere sympathy to you all on the passing of your wonderful Tara. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, Gene McCarthy and family (Cork)
Jesser Horowitz says
December 11, 2020 at 8:45 pmI was devastated when I heard. Working with Tara at the Westchester County Legislature was one of the great honors of my life. I always hoped that one day I would work with her again – it makes me sad to know that won’t happen. She was the best boss I can ask for, and she was one of the best parts of my time there. She really believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I wish I could have told her how profound an influence she had on my life.
May your memory be a blessing, Tara. You will be missed.
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