Tara A. Franey

Tara Altemus Franey of Dearborn, Michigan passed unexpectedly on October 27, 2023 at the age of 50. She was the loving daughter of James and Diana Altemus, cherished mother of Benen Franey, adored partner of Scott Bettinger, and dear sister of Krista (Todd) Peterson and the late Francesca Altemus. Tara is also survived by her former husband and best friend Brian Franey, her loving nephew Caleb Peterson, dear nieces Samantha and Meredith Peterson, and the Michigan community at large – through which she changed and inspired the lives of many. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in History from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tara’s unwavering passion continued to carve out her path of higher education, earning her a post-graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from Wayne State University, and a Masters degree in Urban Studies from Northeastern Illinois University. Through this journey, her vast knowledge on the power of positive change began to align with her fierce devotion to public service. She dedicated her life to bettering the lives of others, and exhibited this selflessness with grace all throughout her admirable career. The impact of her nonprofit work is immeasurable: Most recently, she held the titles of President and CEO of the newly formed Mina and Richard Sidlo Family Foundation, but she has also served the widespread communities of Hannan Center, Habitat for Humanity Detroit, the Women's Business Development Center of Chicago, the Detroit Entrepreneurship Institute, and beyond. In every space she occupied, Tara was recognized for her commitment, compassion, and infectious spirit, and her work was always a reflection of her outstanding character. Outside of her career, Tara volunteered at the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Detroit to support the mission, visitors and advocates of this organization. She was also a proud member of Shamrock Nation at Sacred Heart (Dearborn), where her love and kindness transformed the community at large. To know Tara is to know love in its purest form. Her inclusivity of all people – no matter their race, age, sexual orientation, or religious creed – defined her expansive world view, and she effortlessly wrapped every friend, family member, and stranger in the warmest and sweetest light. Her life was an incredible gift, and her transformative legacy will live on forever through the thousands of lives she changed along the way. Tara’s friends and family will gather together for a funeral service on Saturday, November 4th at 11 AM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home: 46401 Ann Arbor Road West, (between Sheldon & Beck), Plymouth. Visitation hours will take place at the funeral home on Friday, November 3rd from 2-9 PM. Interment will follow the funeral service at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Zekelman Holocaust Center, Habitat for Humanity Detroit, or Hannan Center. To share a memory of Tara, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

Tara A. Franey

July 10, 1973 - October 27, 2023