Tara Kathleen Silva

August 2, 1968 - December 24, 2021

“Though She Be But Little She is Fierce.” – William Shakespeare

Tara Kathleen Silva, age 53 years, of Frenchtown, NJ, died peacefully at home on Friday, December 24, 2021 surrounded by her loving family and under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Words to say about this beautiful soul are almost impossible, but Tara’s sister penned this tribute, shared here with love:

Wildly beautiful, fierce, and loving, Tara was the cherished middle child of Joseph Silva and Sandra Brown Silva, the loyal and conspiratorial sibling of Rick Silva and Carrie Silva, and the beloved sun, moon, and stars to her husband Eric Gochko.

Wickedly smart and disarmingly gorgeous, Tara was and remains forever a force of nature to anyone who was fortunate enough to be drawn into her orbit. There is no one who knew her as a lifeguard on the shores of Long Beach Island who did not fall in love with her megawatt smile and competitive spirit. There is no one who befriended her who did not feel instantly enveloped by her infectious laugh. There is no one who became her student or colleague at Newell Elementary during her career as an educator in Upper Freehold School District who did not feel her passionate conviction for public education. She was a dedicated marathon runner, a talented gardener, an intrepid world traveler, a voracious classic movie buff, and a loving bulldog mama to Blanche and Sable.

For all of these things, her life should be celebrated; however, it is for her 13-year battle with cancer, and the mark she left upon it, that her legacy should be revered. On a sunny day in November of 2009, only four months after finishing her first round of cancer treatment, Tara completed the New York City Marathon, arms raised to the heavens triumphantly, grinning ear to ear as she ran up First Avenue with all the might of the human spirit under her feet. In the years that followed, she continued to fight ferociously and kept swinging not only for herself but for so many others, counseling fellow patients and participating in early clinical drug trials that would later lead to the gold-standard of breast cancer treatment that now gives countless people more precious time and hope.

For those who knew her and did not know the extent of her illness, that was by her choice and design. She did not exclude loved ones from her suffering but instead chose to include them only in her exquisite love of life. In all, she was a tireless warrior, a deeply compassionate human being, and a loving wife, sister, and friend who will be profoundly missed and forever loved.

At her request, please honor her memory through a deep embrace of life, family, and joy. In her footsteps, please meet every seemingly insurmountable challenge with your chin up and fists held high.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

You are encouraged to visit Tara’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

To continue her fight, please feel free to make a contribution to standuptocancer.org. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated.

“Though She Be But Little She is Fierce.” – William Shakespeare Tara Kathleen Silva, age 53 years, of Frenchtown, NJ, died peacefully at home on Friday, December 24, 2021 surrounded by her loving family and under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice. Words to say about this beautiful soul are almost impossible, but Tara’s sisterContinue Reading

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Can someone let her husband know,it would help me if I could speak too him. I was a very close friend too her in high-school. Beach Haven

I was Tara’s neighbor in Santa Barbara Ca decades ago. Though I only knew for a short period, she made an indelible impact on me and we were quite close friends during that period. I am shocked to hear about her passing. My deep condolences to her family and may she Rest In Peace.

I was in a MBC group with Tara. Wish I’d known her longer but the short time I did she was full of life. I will miss her wit, her strength and smile. God bless.

I was devastated the hear the news of Tara's passing; it was a long hard battle she fought. She will always be in my heart, and my only comfort is knowing that she will be reunited with loved ones, including her father. I remember all of the good times we had together, and my deepest condolences go out to Eric and the family.

Eric, I am very sorry to learn of the sad news. From the bottom of my heart I pray that her soul may rest in peace. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I didn't know Tara personally but i worked with her husband Eric. He always spoke highly about her. I would like to send my condolences to her family and her husband.

Eric, Linda and I are so sorry for your loss. We know how much you loved each other and how hard Tara fought against this terrible disease. She is at rest, and she is at peace. You will both be together again. Until that time your love and memories of each other will comfort you and will help to heal your grief. Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.

Dear Eric, I am so sorry for your loss, May God gives you his comfort. she should be in a better place now and praying for us. Sincerely, Hyman

Dear Eric, Although I did not have the privilege to meet Tara personally, I fell like I knew her through your love, and anecdotes. Our family's deepest condolences for your pain , dear Eric, we know it is not easy, but it is of some comfort to know, that she is finally resting and at peace! May God has her in his home, waiting for you, when He decides is time for you to reunite with Tara. We love you brother! Newton Solomon, and family.

Deepest condolences, Eric. May you find comfort in knowing that Tara is no longer in pain and is now with the Lord. Praying for the eternal repose of her soul. Everyone at DIGI America are thinking of you during this very difficult time. From your DIGI America Family

In memory of Tara Kathleen Silva, Tammie Pintimalli lit a candle

To a great colleague and friend. We had many Association meetings together and developed from that a friendship that we both cherished. God Bless you. RIP. Jan Batsch

Mrs. Silva, you were a ray of light and a voice of comfort when we were nervous about sending Nico to school with Type 1 Diabetes. You shared your experiences with your family and put us at ease. You went above and beyond to ensure our family that everything would be taken care of. Even when you did not feel well you made sure you checked in. You truly were a remarkable human, teacher, and administrator. We wish her family and friends peace in knowing that she truly made a difference for our son and our family (and so many others). Rest in peace, Mrs. Silva. The Lamola Family

Tara was so many things to so many people, as the cliche goes. To me, she was an inspiration and the best person to spend a few days in NOLA with during the NEA Convention. Though I probably had 100 pounds on her, she could drink me under the table and meet me bright and early the next morning at Cafe Du Monde without the slightest battle scar, ready to shout all day from the floor of the convention center for school members' rights around the country. On Christmas Eve, she did not "go gentle into the night"; she screamed for herself and all who joined her. I will miss her terribly, but am a better person for having known her. God bless.

Tara was so fortunate to have such a loving and supporting family, and we will cherish all of our fond memories with her in Key West, North Carolina and here at home. She always had a smile on her face... please know that you are all in our thoughts. We love you all, Derek, Kerry, Avery and Piper
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Tara will be missed! We were so fortunate to have her grace the halls of Newell Elementary School. Forever in our hearts. ?

Dear Rick and Carrie, We never had the pleasure of getting to know Tara as an adult, only as a little girl. It seems she was quite amazing and much loved by you both and all who knew her. We know your hearts are broken and we are truly sorry. Love, Uncle Ernie and Aunt Donna

In memory of Tara Kathleen Silva, Linda G. Marsh lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My most sincere condolences to Tara's family. Tara was a kind, sweet and very caring friend. No one lite up a room like she did with her gorgeous smile and sparkling eyes. I will never forget her love and support when my husband passed away. Tara will forever be remembered and missed. UFRSD was blessed to have had Tara as an educator and administrator - one and the same to me. God took back our Angel.

I was so sad to here of Tara's passing. We worked together in the elementary school for many years. She was an excellent teacher and administrator. Her kindness and caring for the children and staff members was always evident. As her family members I hope that your memories of Tara sustain you during this difficult time.

In memory of Tara Kathleen Silva, Robert Graver lit a candle

Tara was a beautiful person both inside and outside. She truly touched everyone she ever met. The infectious laugh along with the sparkle in her eyes when he smiled and laugh is how I will remember Tara. I feel fortunate to have known her throughout her career at UFRSD. You will be missed by many. Rest In Peace Tara ?. My sincere condolences to her family.

I am so sorry to hear of Tara’s passing. She was and is an inspiration to so many. My deepest sympathies to all those who loved her.

Loved doing Tara’s hair, but more than that I loved our conversations and laughs. No matter how she was feeling she could still laugh and make you feel better. My Deepest Sympathy she will be missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.