15 Jul Taryn Lovinia Harmsen Pierattini
Taryn Lovinia Harmsen Pierattini, age 44, of Salt Lake City passed away unexpectedly in her home on July 1st 2022. Taryn suffered from extreme insomnia and passed away from the dangers of Ambien.
She leaves behind her adored 16-year-old son Luke Pierattini, her parents Steve and Kelly Harmsen, and five siblings: Stephen Harmsen (Erin), Anne Butler (Bill), Sage Harmsen (Kim), Mark Harmsen (Monique), Mia Chudleigh (Dan), and their families; as well as countless friends.
Taryn cherished growing up amongst the beautiful tree lined streets and people of the Garden Park Ward. She graduated from East High School in 1996. Serving as a U.S. Senate Page for Orin Hatch in Washington D.C. as well as volunteering with Mother Teressa in Calcutta, India were two of her favorite and most influential early life experiences. She received a B.A. from the University of Utah where she pledged the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and made lifelong friendships. Taryn served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Santiago, Chile. She then attended the University of California Santa Barbara and earned two master’s degrees in Spanish and later in education. Taryn was married to Alex Pierattini in the Salt Lake City temple in 2003; although they divorced she remained close with Alex and his family. She taught Spanish at Westminster College, worked for Granite School District as a counselor, and worked as a Spanish interpreter for IHC.
Taryn’s main focus and devotion was serving as a full-time single mother to her cherished son Luke. Taryn and Luke had an incredible connection. They were “two drifters, off to see the world”, and they did! Together they had many adventures traveling the world and living abroad. Taryn courageously sought new chapters in life by moving to Washington D.C. and then Holladay, Utah. Taryn and Luke shared a deep appreciation for music. They would often belt out lyrics to their favorite Broadway musicals and countless artists. Rearing Luke was Taryn’s priority and greatest purpose. He is her pride and joy. She gloried in his accomplishments and sweet spirit.
Taryn was born extremely loving and affectionate. She was nicknamed “Nana Mouse” as a child due to her soft spoken and shy nature. Nevertheless she became a total people person. Because of her unconditional acceptance of others, she had a variety of relationships that were intimate and uniquely individual. Taryn could be counted on for laughter and lightheartedness and was unanimously the favorite sister-in-law and aunt. She even took nieces and nephews on individual “Aunt T trips” around the world.
She was close to her parents and siblings, nieces and nephews, aunts and in-laws and sincerely took interest in all of their lives. She found joy in celebrating others’ milestones and achievements. No matter the distance, she was there to cheer them on and offer support. She valued lifting others.
Her immense gratitude for life often brought her to tears. She was disarmingly generous and strove to share a portion of her blessings with those in need, often in a discrete manner. She made it a point to “pay it forward” almost daily. She was a great listener and was never too proud to express her admiration of others.
Taryn had a firm belief in Jesus Christ and was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In her own words she said, “My testimony has been so very strengthened by the blessings I have received to travel this beautiful world and meet so many of God’s precious children. I know He lives, I know He is our Savior, and I know that through His love and atoning sacrifice we may all have everlasting happiness. I believe in Christ. He is my King.”
We believe Taryn is supremely happy with her grandmother, Lovinia, whose name she proudly carried. We find peace in the remarkable life she lived and the abundance of love she shared. We sorely miss Taryn. We are comforted that through the love and saving grace of our Lord and Savior, all will be made whole again.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 23rd at 11:00 am (viewing 9:30-10:45am) at the Olympus 7th Ward on 4500 South 2700 East.
A viewing will be held Friday, July 22nd 6-8:00 pm at City View Mortuary 1001 East 11th Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Service Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxFC6YvmLRc
Instagram @tarynharmsen
Carrie Greenberg
Posted at 22:29h, 17 JulyLove to Taryn on the other side, Like and family!
Lara Haehle
Posted at 10:09h, 21 JulyWhen your sibling’s close friends grow up in your home, they become a kind of surrogate sibling, and that’s what Taryn was for me. Thank you for the friendship you gave my sister, thanks for always being a fun an interesting person. It’s shocking you are gone. Sending my love to your family and your son.
Kirk Walton
Posted at 10:12h, 21 JulySteve & Kelly,
I was so sorry to hear about Taryn’s passing. Sending my love and prayers to you and all your family. :X
Kirk