A beloved resident of Peoria, Illinois, Tara Ann (Amerman) Petrakis has sadly passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 57.
Tara was born on July 17, 1968, right in the heart of Peoria, to parents Darrell and Sally Amerman.
She grew up surrounded by the familiar sights and seasons of central Illinois, attending local schools and graduating with the Peoria High School Class of 1986. Those early years shaped a woman who found joy in the simple, natural rhythms of life, carrying that appreciation into everything she did.
In her younger days, Tara thrived in the water. She was an avid swimmer, competing with the Wedgewood Swim Club, the Peoria Area Water Wizards, and her high school team. The pool became a place of freedom and focus for her, where discipline met delight, and those experiences built a quiet confidence that stayed with her always. Later in life, her passions turned toward the earth—gardening brought her peace, tending flowers and plants with careful hands, while her deep love for animals and nature drew her outdoors whenever possible.
Family brought Tara her truest happiness. She married Michael Petrakis on June 28, 2016, in Christian County, building a partnership filled with companionship and shared moments. Nothing lit up her world quite like babysitting or spending time with her grandchildren; their laughter and curiosity reminded her of life’s purest joys. She poured gentle care into those relationships, creating memories that felt warm and enduring.
Tara’s kindness left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had a way of making people feel truly seen, offering quiet support and genuine warmth without ever seeking attention. In Peoria, where roots run deep and neighbors become like family, she embodied the steady heart of the community, someone who nurtured connections through her love of nature and devotion to loved ones.
Her legacy lives on most brightly in the grandchildren who will grow up with stories of her hugs and garden adventures, and in the family she held so close. Tara showed by example how to find beauty in the everyday—whether in a blooming flower, a loyal pet, or a child’s smile—and that gentle perspective will continue to guide those she leaves behind.
Though her time here ended at Carle Health Methodist Hospital, the love Tara shared remains a comforting presence for her husband Michael, her parents, and all who cherished her. Friends and family will gather first for visitation on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mt. Hawley Community Church, followed by funeral services on Tuesday, January 13, at 1:00 p.m., with an additional hour of visitation beforehand. Pastor Darnell Starks will officiate, and burial will follow at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. In these gatherings, her spirit of quiet joy will surely be felt by all.