Date of Birth: December 18, 1982
Date of Death: August 14, 2024
Tara-Lea Chug passed away with family by her side on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Despite the challenges in her final years, Tara was known for her positivity, warmth, and strength. She was surrounded by her family, friends, and community who loved her and miss her dearly.
Tara is survived by her parents, Leslie and Lea-Ann Stevenson; her brother, Brady; sisters Kayla (Jeremy), Carmen (Bryan) and Heidi (Evan); husband Emerson and his parents, Lam and Belen Chug, as well as his seven sisters; and children Hannah, McKenna, Emeree, Nova, and Brycen.
Waiting for her at the Door to Heaven are her grandparents, Donald and Phyllis Stevenson and Orval and Mabel Langford; as well as her beloved angel babies, Eden and Avery.
Tara grew up in Whitewood, SK, and later pursued post-secondary education where she achieved a bachelor’s degree in social work. Although she did not work in the field, she held many different types of jobs throughout her young adult life and could always be found playing baseball with her colleagues, singing karaoke, and was well-known for her wild and wacky fashion sense.
After she met her husband, Emerson, Tara had a lifetime experience of travelling to the Philippines and meeting her new family. They spent their first married years living and working in Regina. However, after Tara was diagnosed, she moved back to Whitewood with her husband and children to be closer to her parents. Tara received the utmost care from local health clinics, formed new meaningful relationships, and renewed old ones. She spent her final years with a community of people who opened their hearts and homes to her and her family, which truly filled her life with joy and gave her peace knowing that her children would be safe and loved.
Although Tara’s time on earth was much too short, she lived a beautiful life. Tara loved and accepted everyone she met. She enjoyed meeting new people, singing, and above all, Tara’s entire world was her children. Her love for her children was truly immeasurable, and even in her final days, their well-being was her greatest concern.
Tara faced her illness head-on and taught us the importance of cherishing every moment and embracing life’s beauty. When Tara’s time came, she battled her illness with unwavering strength. At times, this strength came from within, and at other times, it came from her family, friends, and community. While our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in knowing that Tara will continue to shine through every life she touched.
A celebration of Tara-Lea’s life will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Whitewood Evangelical-Missionary Church, Whitewood. Memorial donations may be made to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Arrangements are entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville and Whitewood.
