Tara H. Deitsch 48, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2017 at the Warner Center for Caring.

She was born February 12, 1969 to Linda and Leeroy Durden Jr. and grew up in Fernandina Beach. She graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1987, and then earned an associate of arts degree from Andrew College in 1989. She later earned her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Phoenix in 2012.

Affectionately known as TJ by friends, she was an avid Jacksonville Jaguars fan and also fond of Disney characters Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas and Olaf from Frozen.

TJ married Marc Deitsch March 7, 1994 at the Historic Courthouse in Fernandina Beach. The couple later celebrated with a ceremony at Memorial United Methodist Church.

She loved animals and was very proud of her children. Her brother, Charles Durden, preceded her in death.

TJ is survived by her husband of 23 years, Marc Deitsch of Yulee; her children, Charlotte (Allen) Weld of Texas and Michael Deitsch of Yulee; her parents, Linda and Leeroy Durden of Fernandina Beach; her brother, Leeroy Durden III of Fernandina Beach; her mother-in-law, Manette Deitsch of Long Island, N.Y.; her father-in-law, Alan Deitsch of Depot Bay, Ore.; and numerous other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre St., Fernandina Beach.

She will be laid to rest at the La Flora Mission.