Jeanne and Mike Tarr

SUN CITY WEST - Jeanne Dennison Tarr and her beloved husband of 41 years Michael Chester Tarr passed gracefully, side by side, 20 hours apart on June 14 & 15, 2015, at their home. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on July 23, 1936 to Beatrice and Dr. Leonard Tarr, Mike was a graduate of Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania Dental School. He practiced dentistry in Westchester County, NY before retiring to Sun City West in 1987 with his wife, Jeanne whom he met in the theatre in 1972. Born in Sayville, Long Island, on August 24, 1927 Jeanne was a loving mom, a passionate actress, and a true Pollyanna embracing with enthusiasm all that life had to offer. She met Mike, the love of her life, while doing a performance of "The Most Happy Fella." From 1988 until 2012, this theatrical dynamic duo contributed greatly to the growth and success of theater in Sun City West both at the Sun Dome and Stardust Theatre where Mike directed 35 main stage productions as well as serving as President, set designer, and lighting and sound technician. Mike starred in many musicals, most notably the "Man of La Mancha" as Don Quixote - a role he embodied in life. Jeanne directed and starred in numerous shows, including "Mame", Funny Girl" and "Hello Dolly" and ran the theater box office for 25 years until the fall of 2014. Their acting careers each spanned over 60 years and was the foundation to their strong relationship. Jeanne and Mike are largely responsible for the Sun City West Variety Show's profit of $1,775,000 donated to Del. E. Webb Hospital through Sun Health during the years of 1998-2006. Jeanne and Mike held a 'Celebration of Life' at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Surprise on May 1st, 2015. Over 250 friends, family and longtime theater-goers paid tribute to this magnetic couple who gave their all to the community through the arts and a deep love of music. Jeanne and Mike are survived by Jeanne's daughter, Brynn Dennison Waite (Charlie); her son, Jory Dennison (Grace); Mike's eldest son, Adam Tarr (Michele); his youngest son, Gary Tarr (Stephanie); and grandchildren, Andrew, Colby (Jamie), Sean, Megan, Max, Lucas, Mikayla, Annie, Sophia and Hudson. They were affectionately known in the family as "GigPops" and their love, talents and genuine sparkle will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives they touched. Break a leg in heaven, GigPops. We love you to the moon and back.