Remembering Tara

Pete Nguyen is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Michelle Gonzalez.

Donation protected

**The proceeds from this page will go to funeral expenses and a scholarship in honor of her name.**

At the beginning of the year, we set a goal, to complete a puzzle by year's end. As we close out 2021, we try our best to finish assembling this year’s puzzle, a pristine 365-piece artwork. We see our finished product coming into view as the days progress. We worked meticulously to put the edges together and work our way in, to complete this puzzle and to achieve this goal!

On December 11, 2021, we assembled 364 pieces, however, the final piece is missing. We look relentlessly for that missing piece but cannot find it. It has vanished, permanently, no matter what we do, it is gone! One of our dearest friends, peer, colleague, and family-member, Tara Labang, is that missing piece. She is gone and the puzzle will never be complete.

We can see the complete image, we can envision what ‘could have been’ and that is what we must cling to. We can each complete the puzzle in our hearts, filled with images of her memory and the good times shared by all that knew her.

Tara was loved by everyone she surrounded herself with. She carried herself with a smile, even in times of adversity. She lived life to the fullest, and had a lot left to give to the world. Unfortunately, her life was curtailed by events that were beyond her control. She left behind family and friends at the age of 41.

Tara’s absence will leave a permanent hole in our hearts; but like the puzzle from earlier, there is a bigger picture pieced together. Each piece of the puzzle represents a part of her story, a story that ties our lives to Tara’s. We remember Tara by smiling and sending good vibes and prayers her way.

We love you Tara.

Makani ‘olu’olu e kai malie.

Due to the strong support from individuals all over the country, we have increased our goal. Thank you everyone for your support, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

The proceeds from this page will go to funeral expenses and a scholarship in honor of her name. As a side note per GoFundMe policies and procedures, donors will not receive anything in exchange for the money contributed.