Margaret Tarris

Margaret, "Meg", "Peggy" Tarris, a resident of Allendale, NJ passed away in 2025 at the age of 78.

Meg was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and spent her early childhood as an "Army brat," moving frequently as her father pursued his career as a military officer. At age 11, her family finally put down roots in Kent, Ohio, where she attended Kent State University's Elementary and High School.

Never one to follow the conventional path, Meg went on to study Business Management at the University of Dayton, where she was among the very few women brave enough to enter the male-dominated program. While at Dayton, she met her future husband, Gregory Tarris a fellow student. They were married in 1968, and their first daughter, Laura, was born in Dayton in 1970.

Meg's life became a testament to adaptability and adventure. She accompanied Greg to Germany during his military service, then returned to the U.S., where they purchased their first home in Ringwood, New Jersey, and welcomed their second daughter, Amy, in 1973.

In 1977, the family embarked on their first Puerto Rican adventure when Greg's job transfer took them to the island. Meg didn't just adapt to the warm climate and vibrant culture – she thrived in it. Their third daughter, Juliana, was born there in 1979.

Upon returning to New Jersey, the family settled in Ridgewood, where Meg threw herself into local school activities, particularly anything involving music. She became a spirited performer in the Ridgewood High School Jamboree Fundraiser, taking the stage as both singer and dancer with characteristic enthusiasm. During these years, their son Alexander completed the family in 1980.

When another professional opportunity called Greg back to Puerto Rico, Meg once again embraced the change, volunteering in schools and working as a substitute teacher. After five years of island life, they returned to settle permanently in Allendale, New Jersey.

In what some might call her second act, Meg launched a successful career as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley. Her lifelong fascination with finance, combined with her no-nonsense approach, made her a trusted advisor to clients, friends, and family alike. She was also a devoted member of the Church of the Presentation choir, delighting in adding her beautiful voice to the seasonal concerts and weekly Mass performances.

Meg was a woman who never met a travel opportunity she didn't like. She treasured her annual pilgrimages to see friends and extended family in Montana and Idaho, frequent trips back to her Ohio roots, and ambitious family adventures to Florida, California, and Cape Cod. One of her most memorable adventures was an epic trip to Poland, Germany and Czech Republic with Juliana and Greg. Her love affair with Disney World was legendary – she visited at least six times, proving that magic has no age limit.

Meg is survived by her beloved husband, Gregory; her children, Laura, Amy, Juliana, and Alexander; and her grandchildren, Layla, Ivy, Bowen, Harrison, Nicolette, and Keira. She is also survived by her brothers, Bill and Tom, and her sister, Virginia.

Meg will be remembered as a woman who embraced life's changes with grace, who could command a stage as easily as she could guide her clients through financial decisions, and who above all, treasured her role as wife, mother, and grandmother. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply.

"In lieu of flowers,  the family has requested that you make donations in Meg Tarris’s name to West Bergen Mental Healthcare, 120 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood NJ  07450,  attention Barbara Hand.  You can also visit westbergen.org and make a secure donation online."

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