We mourn the passing of Marjorie Jean Tarr
Marjorie Jean Tarr (June 4, 1931-October 3, 2020)
We are sad to announce that after a full life, Marjorie Jean Tarr passed away peacefully on October 3, 2020 in Northfield, MN. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald Tarr.
Marge and her family were among the original founders and steadfast supporters of AFARI. This decades long, close affiliation with ARI/AFARI actually began when Don Tarr and ARI founder Toshihiro Takami were roommates at Doane College. Over the years, their friendship grew to include their families. There was such a strong bond between the families that the Tarrs consider the Takami’s daughter, Kaori, as a daughter to them, as well. Travel to the US by the Takamis always included a stop in Northfield to visit with Don and Marge.
Marge cared deeply about the mission and vision of ARI and supported the organization both financially and spiritually. Her interest and enthusiasm for ARI never waned. Margret Hofmeister, AFARI Board member, recalls first meeting Marge in 2018 when the AFARI Annual Board Meeting was held in Northfield, MN. Margret remembers that, “Marge was excited to hear the latest news from ARI, to meet new AFARI Board Members and to share stories of ‘the old days.’ I was fortunate to meet Marge, she was a gracious host, who extended a warm welcome to friends and strangers alike.” AFARI Board member Kathy Tegtmeyer Pak fondly recalls telling Marge about the latest connections between St. Olaf College and ARI, through internships and January courses, over coffee at First UCC. “I so enjoyed the chance to visit Marge, and to carry her thoughtful, small gifts - Fig Newtons, sheet music and letters - to her dear friends Takami-sensei and Shinko-san,” she says.
Marge’s concern and care for her community was expressed through her volunteerism. She organized and ran a charity called Operation Hope that packed and mailed boxes of items for people in need. She and Don supported the Northfield Arts Guild. Marge was always involved in her church community at First United Church of Christ, where she served as historian for many years.
She is survived by her son Stephen Tarr of Portland,OR; two daughters, Elizabeth Tarr of Rosemount and Kaori Takami Natsume (Gary Natsume) of Brooklyn, NY; three grandchildren Paul (Katrina Acaster) Vorvick, Takumi and Koromo Natsume; her brother William Hooper of Atlanta, GA; and former daughter-in-law Janet Vorvick of Beaverton, OR. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, and her brother and sister-in-law Donald and Jackie Hooper.
Services will be held via Zoom directed through the First United Church of Christ in Northfield on October 21 beginning at 3:00 with Reverend Lauren Baske Davis officiating. You are welcome to view the service through the Zoom link shared via the church’s calendar.