Tara Lise Baran (née Katrusiak) was born and raised in Saskatoon, and educated in Saskatoon, Calgary, Waterloo and Mannheim, Germany. She came to Ottawa in 2000 for her love of politics, stayed and nested, forming a loving family that grieves for her dearly. She married her love, Yaroslav, in 2003. She was a loving and devoted mother to four beautiful daughters.
A proud member and longtime parliamentary staffer of the Conservative Party and Government of Canada, briefly a public servant, and longtime policy analyst with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. A quiet but powerful force behind many she believed in.
Mother. Wife. Political analyst. Community activist. Skier. Questioner of orthodoxy. Rower. Lover of literature. Volunteer. A keen student of human nature, she knew everything about JFK and Jane Austen whom she saw as keys to all human psychology. She loved with her whole heart, touching so many. A kindred spirit and a bosom friend, with eyes the colour of forest lichen, she thrived in the healing power of nature, and in the presence of her children.
A pianist, a dancer, a writer, and a lover of words – her handwriting was angelic. An idealist and a romantic, she exemplified the poetry of Keats: “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep a bower quiet for us, and a sleep, full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.”
She believed fiercely in her country – a proud Canadian who cherished her Ukrainian, Irish, Scottish and German-Ukrainian roots. She opposed injustice and oppression in all its forms. She was committed to her church, where she volunteered on council, enchanted by her adopted Eastern Rite.
Tara’s life ended prematurely. Far too soon. May she repose in peace and help guide us to our own.
Tara is survived by her loving husband, Yaroslav Baran, and her cherished daughters, Zoia, Sophia, Emilia, and Julia, who were the very centre of her world. She was predeceased by her father, Norvin (Nobby) Katrusiak, whose memory she carried with her throughout her life. Tara is lovingly remembered by her mother, Georgina Elliott, and her brother, Arin Katrusiak. She was a proud and caring aunt to her nieces, Ariana and Eliseya Snihura-Baran, and a devoted godmother to Gretel Sims, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
The family will receive condolences at Beechwood Cemetery funeral home on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with Requiem at 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine on Saturday, January 10, at 11:00 a.m., followed by Interment at Beechwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation or St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine.
Digital Guestbook
Henia O'Malley
Jodie Lavoie and Family
A wonderful cousin, gone too soon. She will be missed so greatly from our tiny family out West. Rest in Peace dear cousin. Condolences to all she left behind.
Lori Snow
Yaro, Zoia, Sophia, Emilia, Julia,
Sincerest condolences for the heartbreaking loss of Tara. I will always remember her kindness and warmth. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Bohdana Dutka
My deepest condolences on the loss of Tara, a a loving mother and wife. I met her a few times at community events and always enjoyed speaking with her. May she rest in peace.
Barrera Family
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
🌿 Dear Yaroslav, Zoia, Sophia, Emilia, and Julia, and Georgina and Arin, please receive our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to you and your family and friends, and colleagues for the heartbreaking loss of your beloved Tara.
Be comforted and lifted up by the Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
He is faithful. He will sustain you and mend your broken hearts.
Love in Him, the Barrera Family.
Kaitlin Abeele
My deepest sympathies to Tara's family and friends who are left to grieve her loss. It's an unimaginable pain and I hope they can find solace in the community around them.
Vicky Hadd
I was very saddened to read about Tara’s death. I knew her when I taught at the Glebe Cooperative Nursery school. She was a loving and devoted mother. She was a great supporter of the nursery school.
There is nothing I can say to make your grief any easier. My sympathies go out to her girls and husband.
Christine Nebesny
Sincere sympathy for the death of your wife and mother. We pray for her. Taken from us too soon. Stay strong together as you grieve your wife. If there is any way we can help you please let us know. Christine, Bohdan, Adrian and family, Lisa and family . We extend our love for you at this tragic time. May she rest in peace with God.
Ephraim and Hailey Barrera
Dear Yaroslav, Zoia, Sophia, Emilia, and Julia,
Our sincerest condolences and sympathies to you and your family. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tara. I was grateful to have had the blessing to volunteer with her at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine. Tara was kind, wise, and strong. Her example was a constant source of inspiration. She will be tenderly remembered and missed.
We pray for the consolation of your family and the repose of Tara’s soul. May her memory be eternal.
My deepest condolences.
Tara was a wonderful talented person.
My sympathies to her lovely girls and husband.