Tara Amanda Finley, beloved wife and mother of three, passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2026 in Santa Barbara at 36 years old.
Tara was born Tara Amanda Sim on June 4, 1989 in San Mateo, California, to Kathryn (née Fisher) and Shelby Sim. Shortly after, the family moved back to their hometown of Santa Barbara.
After her parents’ divorce and subsequent remarriages, Tara grew up surrounded by love and support from Kathryn and her husband Matt Randmaa, Shelby and his wife Amy Sim, and a growing extended family all around her.
From a young age it was clear to all that Tara was so special. Her creativity, imagination, intelligence, insight, passion for the defenseless (especially animals), and sharp wit were unmatched, all bursting out from behind her beautiful blue eyes.
She was the big sister to Kurtis and Jack Randmaa, and to Aiden and Bella Sim. She became the leader of the pack for the many cousins that followed.
Tara was an adventurous child who eagerly explored a wide range of interests, including Brownies, softball, basketball, Junior Lifeguards, guitar, and many others.
She had a special passion for acting and took great pride in her roles in various school productions.
Tara was a voracious reader from a young age, and would read the latest “Harry Potter” book in its entirety within two days of its release. That love of literature helped Tara develop into a gifted writer, becoming the editor-in-chief for her high school paper, the Dos Pueblos Charger Account.
Tara went on to get her BA in Public Relations from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where she was regularly featured on the Dean’s List.
After college Tara embarked on her career with various roles in publicity, marketing, social media, writing, editing, and publishing for LA Weekly, the Village Voice, Street Media, Irvine Weekly, and BUST Magazine.
Of particular importance to Tara was the struggle of those who were persecuted, abused, or punished simply because they weren’t part of society’s preferred class, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Her empathy and fierce spirit to hold power to account were pervasive in her writing.
It was during her college years that Tara met John Finley, the love of her life. Tara and John were married in 2016, and they moved back to Santa Barbara where they started their family.
While Tara continued her career as a contributing writer and the editor-in-chief of BUST Magazine, her most important role was that of Mom to their children Charlie, Jasper and Briar. Her dog Murphy was her fourth child and her constant companion.
Tara was a devoted mother who nurtured her children with love, a sense of adventure, and strong self-confidence. She encouraged them to live in harmony with nature, and fostered in them a deep appreciation for animals.
A deeply spiritual person, Tara also instilled in her children the values of empathy and compassion.
Tara was taken from all of us too soon, leaving a void in our hearts which will never be filled.
Tara is survived by her loving husband John and their three children Charlie, Jasper and Briar; parents Kathy and Matt Randmaa and Shelby and Amy Sim; siblings Kurtis Randmaa, Jack Randmaa, Aiden Sim, and Bella Sim; grandparents Barbara Fisher, Diane Freeman, Juri and Connie Randmaa, and Doris Sim; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Tara was preceded in death by her beloved grandfathers Ralph Fisher and Earl Sim, and her fur babies Joe and Gus.