Michele Ileen Tarr (maiden name Cates) peacefully passed away during the evening hours of February 23rd surrounded by family at the age of 58. She is survived by her daughter Nicole Tarr, mother Eliane Himler (Cates), ex-husband Mark Tarr, the Cassisi family and her closest friends she considered family.

Michele was born in Manhattan and lived throughout Orange County for most of her life, with the exception of schooling in Switzerland and residing with extended family in Hawaii for a short period of time when she was younger. Michele’s passion resided with working with small children and the elderly. She held various jobs throughout her life and had a strong work ethic in any endeavor the path put in place. Michele enjoyed the simple things in life; warm and sunny days, the smell of lilacs, listening to Billy Joel music, a roaring fireplace and time spent laughing with family and friends. Michele often took the role of caretaker to loved ones in need with a warm heart and loving smile. She will be dearly missed and always loved, but reunited with her brother Noel Cates, father Ambrose ‘Tex’ Cates, and grandmother Dorothy ‘Do-do’ Cates, all whom she sorely missed for many years.

Michele will be put to rest at Cedar Hill Cemetery in a private ceremony with immediate family. A celebration of life will occur in spring to be announced to family and friends she cared deeply for.

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