Clara H. Tatarka

Clara H. Tatarka, 89 of Johnston, passed away peacefully with her daughter and nieces by her side on Saturday August 26, 2023. Born in Cranston, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Susie (Volatile) Sinape. She was the beloved wife of the late John Tatarka; they were married for 56 wonderful years until his passing in 2009.

Clara’s family was most important to her. She adored her nieces and nephews and was a second mother to them. She was a very active member of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish. She was a Eucharistic Minister, she taught CCD, she helped to lead the church’s grief group and participated in the Passion Play (from which she quickly determined that acting was not in her future).  She had a passion for traveling. Her husband John was the best traveling companion, and they were blessed with the opportunity to travel all around the world. Leading a very active lifestyle was in her nature. Clara was constantly on the go. She read voraciously.  She was on a bowling team for many years and was rarely still, loving to exercise and dance. She loved playing cards, playing multiple times weekly, with new friends and with those she had known since junior high school. Her love for adventure never waned, leading her to ride her very first rollercoaster at the young age of 84, at DisneyWorld; and she didn’t stop at just one, six was the magic number!

She is survived by her devoted, loving and second travel companion, her daughter Janice Tatarka. She also leaves her beloved sister Carol Sinape, and the several nieces and nephews whom she loved with her whole heart. She was predeceased by her much loved and loving son John Stephen Tatarka, her siblings Palma DiSano and her husband Ernest, Jerry Sinape and his wife Shirley, and brother-in-law Ed Lightfoot.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday October 2, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Robert Bellarmine, 1804 Atwood Ave., Johnston. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery.  VISITING HOURS will be held from 9:30- 10:30 on the same day at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 1804 Atwood Ave. Johnston, RI 02919.