Tara Riopelle

HAVERHILL - Tara Marie Riopelle, 52, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025. Born on April 15, 1973, in Lawrence, MA, she was the beloved daughter of the late Justine and David Riopelle. Tara was the eldest of four children and is survived by her siblings Eric Riopelle, Paul Riopelle, and Mary Pletcher.

A proud graduate of Greater Lawrence Technical High School, Class of 1991, Tara lived a life defined by purpose, compassion, and service. Her professional and volunteer work reflected her unwavering commitment to helping others. She shared her heart with Rosie’s Place, remaining connected in multiple roles over several decades. Tara also devoted much of her time to Close to Home, helping build community around domestic and sexual violence prevention, and to Solutions at Work, where she began as a volunteer, rose to leadership, and dedicated 20 years to breaking cycles of poverty and homelessness.

Tara’s passions were deeply rooted in her love for people, music, and life’s simple joys. She cherished her time at Hampton Beach, especially on the Fourth of July, and never missed an opportunity for a soft‑serve coffee ice cream in a cone with crunch coat from her favorite shop. She loved to travel and took great pleasure in shopping, but her greatest joy was always found in the company of her children and grandchildren.

Those who knew Tara describe her as extraordinarily generous, with a heart of pure gold. She lifted countless people through their hardest moments, offering practical support and resources, strength, and encouragement that left a lasting mark on every life she touched. Tara gave freely of herself and would gladly offer her very last to someone in need.

She was also a true go‑getter, determined, resourceful, and endlessly creative in the ways she provided for her family. Tara mastered couponing, navigated complex systems, and connected to community resources that required time, persistence, and grit. She made sure her loved ones had what they needed, often turning challenges into opportunities through sheer will and ingenuity.

And through it all, she carried a quick wit and a bright, effortless sense of humor, able to spark laughter even in heavy moments. With her perfectly timed comments, playful expressions, and natural ability to lighten the atmosphere, Tara brought warmth and lightness into difficult situations.

Faith played an important role in Tara’s life. She was a Christian who worshipped joyfully at Chapel of the Cross, where she found community and comfort. She was also previously a member of Fellowship Christian Church and Grant AME, two churches that helped shape her strong spiritual foundation.

Tara is survived by her caring partner of 5 years: Tyrone Myers, loving children: Anthony Riopelle, Justina Riopelle and her partner Kempton Johnson, Damian Brown, Jayden Brown, and Marlyna Brown. She also leaves behind her cherished dog, Baby Boy; her adored grandchildren, X‑Zayvian “Zay” Goulet and Malakai “Kai” Johnson; and her siblings Eric, Paul, and Mary. Her memory will continue to live on through her extended family, countless friends, and all whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Tara’s life will be held on January 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Chapel of the Cross, 160 Flanders Road, Westborough, MA 01581, where family and friends will gather to honor her legacy of love and generosity. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family’s GoFundMe page: Fundraiser by Justina Riopelle : Honoring Tara with a Beautiful Homecoming

Tara Marie Riopelle will be remembered for her radiant spirit, boundless generosity, and unyielding compassion. She lived with an unwavering belief in the power of kindness and a determination that made her a true go‑getter, always finding a way forward, always doing whatever it took to care for the people she loved. Tara’s quick wit and bright sense of humor brought light into even the heaviest moments, reminding everyone around her that laughter and love could carry us through anything.

Arrangements are under the care of Kelly Cremation & Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester.