Tara K. Ladd

With the deepest and most profound sadness, our family announces the passing of Tara K. Ladd.

Tara was born on a beautiful morning on September 11, 1966, to Lloyd E. Ladd and Brenda J. Storm. She fought fiercely for her life, but her battle came to a close on December 6, 2025.

In her younger years, Tara was a gifted and successful auto mechanic before becoming a line cook at a beloved Syracuse restaurant. She was the best damn fry cook and breakfast cook around—no one could match her skill, her speed, or her to her family; famous country-black (“burnt”) chicken. She smoked and swore like a sailor, loved a cold beer, a cigarette, and a good time. She had a beautiful soul—generous, kind, funny, loving—and she could also be rough, tough, and stubborn in all the best ways.

Tara’s hobbies were many. Introduced to birdwatching by her maternal grandmother, Hilda Storm, and her love, Jane Needham, she found peace in the trees and sky. She also loved puzzles, playing cards, and curling up with a movie and snacks.

But her greatest love, her greatest purpose; was her family.

She leaves behind her mother, Brenda J. Finch, her father Lloyd Ladd, her brother Shannon Ladd, and her sister Heather Mae Ladd Minikhiem. Tara adored her nieces and nephews: Michelle, Mary Beth, Steven, Sarah Jane, Christopher, and Chelsea, as well as her treasured great-niece Adelyn Mae.

She was preceded in death by many loved ones, but the most profound loss in her life was her brother, Christopher Lloyd Ladd. We take comfort in knowing they are now reunited, wrapped in the arms of those who loved them both.

In her own words:
“Do not cry for me. Go have a cold beer and a smoke, laugh and live, and always protect the children.”

Calling hours will take place on Thursday, December 11, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Traub Funeral Home in Central Square.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tara K. Ladd, please visit our floral store.