Tara Marie Lane Waitkus

Tara Marie Lane Waitkus, 48, of Waymart, PA passed away on November 4, 2021 after a nearly ten-year battle with cancer. She fought valiantly to the bitter end.

Tara was born in Pittston, PA on May 18,1973 to Janice Lane.

Tara graduated from Scranton Prep in 1991 and later attended Wilson College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Science in 1995.

Tara, an animal lover from an early age, had an array of pets throughout the years to include the typical dog, rabbit and horse to the more unique chinchilla and chameleon. Later, on the farm, she added goats, chickens, ducks, geese and additional horses.

Tara was the Equestrian Team Coach at the University of Scranton and held the position of Regional President for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Zone 3, Region 4. She also gave private horse backing lessons in the Dalton, Clarks Summit area until she was no longer able to do so. Tara always spoke so fondly of her team and those she trained. Each one of you had an impact on Tara's life, making her the caring and compassionate woman she was.

Tara held several career sales positions working for Millbrook, Campbell's Soup, and Troyer/Lipari. She also worked in hospitality, running the front of the house at Café.com in Kingston, PA where she met her husband Dan.

Tara realized her dream when she and Dan purchased a farm in Waymart, PA and built their wedding barn.

Tara loved Dan, the wedding barn, food, nature and being outdoors, gardening, photography, riding Taylor her horse, watching episodes of Friends, country music, and traveling to Nashville to hear new artists. She loved to travel and especially loved Cape May, NJ where she and Dan spent time taking pictures and dining at their favorite seaside restaurants and staying in B&B's, along with Key West, FL where she enjoyed shopping, dining, singer/songwriter festivals and sunset sails. Tara also had a real knack for decorating and made her home with Dan cozy and inviting.

Tara was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Lillian and John Poslusney.

Tara is survived by her husband Daniel, mother Janice Lane, cousins Lois Glodzik, Pilar Glodzik, Leo Glodzik, Lynn Carusso and Frank.  Her beloved dogs Reggie and Violet.

A joint Celebration of Life for Dan and Tara is planned for Spring 2022.  Details to follow.

Donations in Memory of Dan and Tara Waitkus may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 100 Williams St., Dunmore, PA 18510.