Sayles, Tara Jean

Tara Jean Sayles (nee Dennis), 72, passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at her home in Lakewood, Ohio.  Tara was born on February 25, 1946 in Rochester, New York to Thomas Henry Dennis and Valeria Helen Dennis (nee Swartzenberg).   Raised in Canandaigua, New York, she was the second oldest of five siblings.  She was the devoted mother of four children, Stephen, Andrew, Zachary and Noelle.  Just as she cherished being a mother, she loved being a grandmother (“Gammy” to Rory and Vera) and truly excelled there as well. She loved her grandchildren just as she loved her own. 

Throughout life, she was unwavering in her love and devotion to her family.  She was an uncompromising mother who raised four children, largely on her own.  She sacrificed anything she had for her children and always made life feel idyllic.  She hosted family gatherings and kept up with her four siblings and their families, was there for every sporting event, concert or award ceremony for her children, always with a smile on her face, and embraced motherhood.  She was devout in her faith and taught her children the value of religion.  She also placed an emphasis on education and encouraged each of her children to challenge themselves in all their endeavors.  Stephen attended Nazareth College and the University of Buffalo and Andrew, Zachary and Noelle each attended Syracuse University, in the footsteps of Tara’s father, Thomas.   

Those close to Tara know how proud she was of each of her children.  Often omitted, however, were her own accomplishments.  Stated plainly, Tara was an inspiring, unmatched person.  She was educated at the Sisters of St. Francis boarding school at Stella Niagara outside Buffalo, New York.  After graduation, she attended Fredonia College but postponed completing her degree to begin a family with her husband, Stephen Sayles, II.  Years later, she returned to college and obtained her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport in fine arts.  She then was accepted to Columbia University where she earned two master’s degrees in art education and early childhood development and completed Ph. D. work through Columbia’s Teachers College.   Her return to education occurred while balancing a household and raising her children.  Tara’s mind was sharp and strong through the end.  She was always eager to discuss the topic of the day and to provide her insight.  

Tara’s passions in life extended to the arts and nature.  Music was her release, be it playing the classics on the piano, participation in the church choir or listening to her favorite tunes from nearly every genre.  If it had a melody she loved it.  She loved to create art as well and was a true artist.  She created wonderful paintings and delicate ceramics and would speak at length about the fine arts.  In her earlier years she was an avid sailor taking advantage of Lake Ontario on small daysailers. She always enjoyed the change of seasons, be it the lilac blooms, autumn foliage or a fresh snow fall.  Later in life she regularly traveled to see national parks across the country.   

Tara had a full life and will be tremendously missed.  She will be lovingly remembered for her compassion, faith, sense of humor and insight.  

Tara is survived by her four children: Stephen Sayles, M.D., and his wife Casey, of Medina, Ohio; Andrew Sayles, Esq., and his wife Amanda, of North Haledon, New Jersey; Zachary Sayles of Lakewood, Ohio; and Noelle Sayles, and her husband Nicholas,of Chicago, Illinois/Cleveland, Ohio.  Additional survivors include her four grandchildren, Ryan, Patrick, Rory and Vera; siblings Timothy Dennis of Rochester, New York, Daniel Dennis of Lyons, New York and Patrick Dennis of Rochester, New York; and multiple cousins, nieces and nephews.  Tara was predeceased by her parents, former husband Stephen and her sister, Suzanne Biondolillo (nee Dennis).

Friends and family may visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY.   Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or, in the alternative, donations made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.    A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 21st at St. Mary’s Church, 95 Main St., Canandaigua, NY.    She will be laid to rest at the Cavalry Cemetery, in Canandaigua, New York, where her parents are interred.