It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy “Lee” Marie (Tarnowski) Garr on June 24 surrounded by her loving family. A life-long Colchester resident, she was born on March 21, 1948, in Meriden to the late Walter and Nancy Tarnowski. Nancy is survived by her husband of 56 years, Zachary Garr.

Nancy graduated from Bacon Academy and worked as a clerk for Schuster & Schuster Trucking Company, Purolator Courier, and Ames Corporate Co. until her retirement in 2007. She was a lifelong parishioner at St. Andrew Church in Colchester. Nancy loved her community and was a member of the Adler-Boluck VFW Ladies Auxiliary, the St. Joseph’s Polish Club Women’s Auxiliary, and the Polish Women’s Alliance. She enjoyed Colchester events, attending many concerts on the green and never missing a Memorial Day Parade. She was a duckpin bowler for over 30 years who enjoyed her Thursday league along with her mother on the Tarnowski Bros. team. She was an avid reader and music lover; she attended many concerts – in particular Rod Stewart.

Nancy loved to travel, especially cruising, going on over 30 cruises with Zach, family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend but her most precious role was grandmother. She was fortunate to be involved in her granddaughters’ activities attending countless school events, soccer, basketball games, and graduations. Nancy never missed a party and always organized birthday and anniversary parties for her large family. She especially loved her extended family’s 4th of July celebration and Christmas party.

In addition to her husband, Nancy is survived by her daughter Tammy Donovan and her husband Dan of Millis, MA; and her son Kenneth Garr of Barkhamsted, CT.  The light of her life the past 24 years has been her five granddaughters Riley Donovan, Madison Donovan, Rowan Garr, Sequoia Garr, and Cedar Garr. She leaves her siblings Anthony Tarnowski and his wife Kathy of Colchester; Arthur Tarnowski and his wife Beverly of Colchester; Lucille Culhane and her husband Gary of Parker, CO; her brother Joe of Richmond, VA; and sister-in-law Margaret Lavezzoli and her husband Frank of Sarasota, FL.  She is predeceased by her brothers Thomas, Robert, and Frankie.  Nancy also leaves several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 5 to 7 PM at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home 167 Old Hartford Rd, Colchester, CT 06415. A Funeral Mass will be held the following day, July 2, 2024 directly at the St. Andrew Church, 128 Norwich Avenue in Colchester at 10 AM. Burial will follow in the Linwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Colchester Senior Center 95 Norwich Ave., Colchester CT 06415. To share a memory or condolence please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com

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