Tara Lee Khaleel, daughter of Barbara and Ronald Khaleel, brother to David Khaleel of Warwick NY, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on January 24, 2017, at age 59.  Tara lost her battle to brain cancer, which she had fought with dignity, grace, courage and her characteristic humor. 

A graduate of Georgetown University, Tara had a long, successful career in banking, with over 20 years at Chase Manhattan and Chemical Banks, then as an independent communications expert for corporations such as ADP and AIG.  She most recently worked as a VP of Corporate Communications for Morgan Stanley.  

A woman of remarkable intellect, wit and tenacity, Tara was as passionate about politics and public policy as she was about her dog.  She loved Arabic music, painting, long walks and spending time with family and friends.  She especially delighted in re-creating the Lebanese cuisine of her beloved grandmother, Ramza, and was an intrepid traveler, having explored much of the US, Europe, Middle East, and Latin America.   

Her thoughts and comments were always thoughtful and informed. Tara had a heart of gold and an incredible generosity of spirit.  She was caring, loving and a treasure to all those who were lucky enough to have known her.  Tara will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 27th, from 12:00-2:00 pm at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick, NY 10990.  A Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, followed by interment at Warwick Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made in her name to Humane Society of Blooming Grove or HOSPICE of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc.   Humane Society of Blooming Grove, 2741 Rt 94 or PO Box 226, Washingtonville NY 10992, (845)496-6199.  HOSPICE of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550, (845) 561-2179.