Tara Lise Baran (née Katrusiak) was born and raised in Saskatoon, and educated in Saskatoon, Sask., Calgary, Alta., Waterloo, Ont., and Mannheim, Germany. She came to Ottawa in 2000 for her love of politics, stayed, and nested. We got married in 2003, forming a loving family that grieves for her dearly. She was a loving and devoted mother to four beautiful daughters.

She was a proud member and longtime parliamentary staffer of the Conservative Party and Government of Canada, briefly served as a public servant, and a 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 John F. Kennedy 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 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, Jan. 9, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., with Requiem at 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 11 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.

Yaroslav Baran is a co-founder and partner with Pendulum Group, a political analysis and geopolitics advisory. He is also chair of the Parliamentary Centre, and a director with the charitable Canada-Ukraine Foundation.

The Hill Times