BUKSAITIS, Tara Lynn ~ Age 53, of Antigonish, NS, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Halifax Infirmary, Halifax, NS with her immediate family by her side. Born on December 25, 1971, in Middleton, NS, she was a beloved daughter of Joseph 'Joe' and Barbara 'Barb' (Ryland) Buksaitis. Born and raised in the Valley, Tara attended AVM Morfee Elementary, Dwight Ross Junior High and West Kings High School. After graduating from high school, Tara attended Dalhousie University where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in English, as well as her Master's degree in Library and Information Studies. Tara loved academics and immersed herself in that world. Her career took her from the University of King's College in Halifax, NS to George Brown College in Toronto, ON and in 2014 back to NS where she worked until her passing at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish as Registrar and Director of Enrollment Planning and was a most cherished member of the faculty and staff. She was a dog lover at heart and treated her dogs like family. She is predeceased by her paternal grandfather John, her maternal grandparents Ivy and Les as well as her three golden retrievers, Misha, Maple and her sweet, sweet Maddie. Her dog Biscuit joined her in 2023 and quickly became her best friend. She enjoyed reading good books while sipping a cup of tea, walking her dog, scrapbooking, in particular making cards for all kinds of occasions, building Lego sets and was always on the hunt for a good sale. Besides her parents, she is survived by a sister, Lori Buksaitis, Fort Frances, ON, her paternal grandmother Ellen Buksaitis of Toronto, her Aunt Rasa (Neil) Wilkinson of Toronto and numerous cousins. There will be no visitation or services by request. Donations in her memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Martha's Regional Hospital in Antigonish, and the staff of the Neuro ICU at the Halifax Infirmary for their care and compassion. A special and heartfelt thank you goes out to Tara's wonderful friend and coworker Karen Brebner for supporting the family during this difficult time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com