Tara L. "Tia" McKennedy

Tara L. “Tia” (Whiting) McKennedy, age 40, passed away at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 27, 1979, she was the daughter of Paul Edward Whiting, Jr. and the late June Claire (Hanlon) Whiting.  She was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts and graduated from Tri County Regional Vocational Technical High School with the Class of 1997.  Following graduation, Tia took a job with Blue Cross Blue Shield in North Quincy.

 

While in high school, Tia devoted her efforts to learning about early childhood development and care.  She went on to apply her knowledge at the Children’s Workshop Day Care in the Rama Plaza in Norwood, Massachusetts, where she worked for several years.  After leaving the Children’s Workshop, Tia found a private nanny position, taking care of a dear friend’s family in the afternoons.

 

While at the day care, Tia met Jill Cataldo while caring for her children and was later asked to babysit the family on the weekends.  She became close with Jill, who decided to introduce Tia to her cousin, John F. McKennedy, Jr., thus beginning a beautiful love story.  The two were married on February 26, 2011, holding their wedding and reception at the Lantana in Randolph, Massachusetts.  The couple initially made their home in Plymouth before returning to Tia’s hometown of Walpole, settling into her own childhood home.  Following in her mother and father’s footsteps, Tia began fostering a young boy named Isaiah in 2016.  She instantly fell in love with him and she, alongside John, adopted Isaiah in May of 2017.  Nothing made Tia happier than being a Mom, and she adored taking trips with her family to zoos, parks, and Thomasland.

 

Throughout her life, Tia loved shopping, always looking for the best deals wherever she went.  She enjoyed her quiet time as well, reading a good book or catching up on her favorite Judy Garland movies. Tara was known by all as Tia, and her greatest devotion in life was to her son, Isaiah.

 

Beloved wife of John F. McKennedy, Jr.

Loving mother of Isaiah McKennedy.

Devoted daughter of Paul Edward Whiting, Jr. of Westwood and the late June Claire Whiting.

Cherished sister of J. Christopher Whiting of New Hampshire, Laurel A. Whiting of Arizona, Robert R. Whiting of Mansfield, Linda E. Garro of Westerly, Rhode Island, Ellen M. Pike of Bellingham, and the late Ani Paul Whiting.

Daughter in law of Helen (McCarthy) McKennedy of Westwood and the late John F. McKennedy.

Sister in law of Mark McKennedy and his wife Kelly of Wakefield.

Tia also leaves many nieces and nephews.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Tia’s visitation in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 4 to 8 PM.  Funeral services and interment will be private at the request of Tara’s family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Boston Children's Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215.  Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.