Tara Jean Cronin

Tara Jean Cronin, a beautiful, sweet, funny to her core, young woman passed away at home on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.  Tara was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer in 2018 and fought a courageous battle for the past 3 years.  She was 36 years old. Tara is now united with her best friend and brother Ben, her dad, and her cousin Jay. 

Tara was born in Worcester on October 16, 1984.  She grew up in Rutland where she graduated from Wachusett Regional High School, Class of 2003.  Tara later continued her education at Quinsigamond Community College before transferring to Becker Junior College where she earned her associates degree in animal care.  Tara worked for many years as a dog groomer for Petco and Perfect Paws before leaving after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Tara was a loving, sweet and amazing daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece, cousin and friend.  She was a lover of animals; she enjoyed being outdoors, going to the beach, waterfalls, off roading, fishing, boating, going to her and her brother’s favorite place, the river at the Prison Camps, and being with her family.

Tara will be forever loved and dearly missed by her mother and step-father, Kelley J. (Pike) Levins and Robert Levins with whom she lived; four step-siblings, Joshua D. Smith and his wife Nicole of West Boylston, Randy LeBeau, Cheryl LeBeau and Chloe Levins; two nephews, Carter and Mason Smith of West Boylston; her maternal grandmother, Anne (Provencal) Clark of Florida; her paternal grandmother, Janice (Brunelle) Dillon of Worcester; many aunts and uncles; all of her cousins with whom she was very close with including her favorite girl in the world, Talexa O’Leary; many other extended family and friends and her puppies, Angel Boy and Hash. She is predeceased by her brother and best friend, Benjamin W.P Smith in 2017 and her father, Robert J. Cronin; her maternal grandfather, William C. Pike; her paternal grandfather, James Cronin. 

Tara’s services and celebration of life will be held privately. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or Sweetpea for Animals, 1090 Pleasant St., Paxton, MA 01612.