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Tara M. Carty, 36, of Clifton, passed away on July 11, 2016, after a long illness. Tara was born in Montclair and lived most of her life in Highland Lakes before
settling in Clifton. Tara's lifelong dream was to go to College. In 2013, she graduated from Caldwell College and achieved a 4.0 GPA. She was an active member of the National Federation for the Blind, New Jersey.
Tara is survived by her loving partner in life, Daniel Facchini, her adored grandmother Carol Cummings, as well as many close friends. She was loved by all.
Funeral will be held on Saturday, meeting 9:00am in the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford, followed by 10:00am Mass of Christian Liturgy in the Church of St. Mary, 91 Home Ave., Rutherford. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
Friends will be received Friday 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to:
The National Federation for the Blind, New Jersey, 254 Spruce Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
or
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, 381 Park Avenue South, Suite 1118, New York, NY 10016.
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What you need to know about Tara Carty
My name is Tara Carty and I am 29 years old. In 2008, I decided it was time to accomplish one of my goals by earning my college degree. I had attended Boston College after high school, but was unable to finish due to health problems; I needed to return to New Jersey where my family could support me. Since that time, I have faced many challenges but have always overcome them.
I will discuss my health problems because it will help to illustrate my outlook on life. I have been diabetic since the age of 5. In college, I caught a virus that shut down my kidneys, forcing me to depend on dialysis since 2000. The renal failure wrought havoc with my diabetes and caused me to become a “Brittle Diabetic.” With uncontrollable sugars my circulation and eyesight began to fail. Years later, I became a below-the-knee amputee and lost my sight. In 2006, I became totally blind in both eyes.
It is a lot to take in, I realize, but it gives an idea of some of the challenges I have faced. I have managed to accomplish many of my life goals despite these and I continue to pursue more of my dreams. A major goal on my list is the completion of my degree. I began with external classes at Caldwell College and last January moved onto the campus. It has not been easy but I have done very well. With help from fellow students and my mobility instructor, I am now navigating the campus confidently. In the process, I have improved my outdoor mobility skills tremendously and have become more independent. I am the first totally blind student to dorm at Caldwell College and I am paving the way for others to follow. Hopefully they will benefit my example. It has been a learning experience for me as well as the professors, staff and other students of the college.
I became totally blind about three years ago and since then I have set forth on many endeavors. In August, I graduated from the New Jersey Foundation for the Blind where I took many classes to improve my life: I learned how to use my computer again with Jaws, how to read grade 1 and 2 Braille, and how to get around with my blind cane. I also took classes in horticulture, sewing, pottery and piano keyboard. I continue to take piano lessons because I love music and feel such happiness when I play. Overall, the Foundation prepared me for living on campus and going back to school.
In addition to be being exceptionally determined, I am organized and focused. If I set out to accomplish a goal, I will do everything in my power to achieve it. I see blindness and my other health issues as obstacles, but they are not barriers that will prevent me from doing something I want to do. I was sighted for many years - most of my life - and although it would be nice to be able to see, I actually find that the blindness can be an advantage in many cases. I tell people I see with my heart. I have no preconceived notions about people. I see people for their personality, not for how they look. I have met so many kind people that I may never have known were I not blind. I have learned that the world is a nice place and people are caring.
I have always said that there is a silver lining to every situation and I think I have found it in this situation. One of my friends said that I see better than most people. I consider this to be a major compliment. Seeing is not always believing. We need to trust in one another and take leaps of faith; this is what blindness has taught me.
I want to be a pioneer and show the sighted world that blind people are no different than anyone else. I want to graduate and make my way into the work place and prove to the world that Tara Carty is something special. I do not want to be labeled for my blindness. I want people to see me for who I am.
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Tara also was hoping to go to Disney World her entire adult life and finally….. she got there! She and her partner in life Daniel had a great time and returned home from week long trip on July 8th 2016.
Unexpectedly, on July 11th,Tara passed away. She will be missed by so many who loved her and will never forget her.