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In memory of

Tara Faith Cates

Los Gatos, CA, USA

May 30, 1984 - May 24, 2021

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On Monday, May 24th, 2021, Tara Faith Cates, loving daughter, wife, and mother, passed away at the age of 36 after a brave battle with cancer. Tara was born on May 30th, 1984 to Hope Rhodes and Steve Olson in Denver, Colorado. She was raised in Golden, Colorado and graduated from D’Evelyn Junior-Senior High School in 2002. After initially studying at the University of Colorado in Boulder, she received her Bachelor’s degree in computer science from Brown University in 2007.

Tara met Sam at Brown University, but didn’t start dating him until they ended up both working at NetApp after graduation. Tara and Sam were engaged on October 4th, 2010 in Yosemite National Park on the bridge above Nevada Falls. They married on August 28th, 2011 at Nestldown in Los Gatos, CA.

Sam and Tara’s daughter Olivia Grace was born on August 13th, 2014. Tara loved spending time with her daughter and Sam, building shared experiences and creating a sense of the magic all around. They shared an interest in art and spent many happy hours creating their projects. She also supported Olivia in her budding interests in horseback riding, arts and crafts, and her love of animals. With a passion for the great outdoors, they built many family memories hiking and camping in Yosemite, Santa Cruz and many other nature parks. In her role as a mom, she developed a special bond with some fellow mothers who played an important role in supporting her and her family in the joys and challenges of these past years.

Tara had a successful career as a software engineer, first at NetApp and later at Apple. Tara’s sharp intellect and abilities distinguished her and, even in the midst of her illness, Tara was promoted to senior engineer at Apple in recognition of her talents. She was especially gifted at breaking down very large complex problems that others had previously failed on.

From childhood, Tara’s gentleness and kind ways endeared her to family and friends alike. As a child, Tara loved reading, photography, and Highland dancing. Even as a young woman, she was remarkably empathic and caring. When she saw a need, she was quick to kindness and generous with her time and resources. Under her soft persona, she had a hilarious sense of humor and an adventurous spirit. She shared many special times traveling with her parents and extended family, visiting Hawaii, Alaska, and New Zealand. Her family has special memories of river rafting, horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking in nature even in the final weeks of her life. Her family, friends, and community and her bright light will always be remembered by the many whose lives she has touched.

Tara was preceded in death by her grandmother Eleanor Middleton Stellyes. She is survived by her husband Sam Cates, her daughter Olivia, her mother Hope Rhodes, her father Steve Olson, and a large extended family including her in-laws and a group of beloved cousins, aunts, and uncles.

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