My sincere condolences to Chris, Catelyn, Emily and Tara’s loved ones. Tara was an amazing person. Her smile just lit up a room whenever she walked in. She was kind, genuine, strong, funny, just so special. I feel blessed to have gotten to know her, to have worked with her, to have shared some laughs with her. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and pray that God will give you strength to get through this difficult time.

You will always be in my heart my friend.

Spending time with you on our occasional outings was always a fun time and I will always remember them.  Grabbing those slurpees and a Slim Jim at the 7-Eleven was so you!

So full of life and always a good friend to turn to. I'm grateful to have been part of your life and your family's.  Memories you have given me will forever be part of your legacy.  That New Yorker sense of being made you special to me!

I am deeply saddened by the tremendous loss of our dear Tara. Tara was one of the people who interviewed at NCCI more than 28 years ago, and I still remember it like it was yesterday. We often joked that the best decision she ever made in life was hiring me. 😊 Tara had an incredible presence! She was witty, smart, determined, and unapologetically herself. She said things only Tara could say, and she had a way of connecting with everyone, whether she worked closely with them or not. Her impact is clearly felt at NCCI and in the meaningful relationships she built with so many. I feel so blessed to have known her personally and will truly miss our conversations, our laughter, and especially her big smile and warm hugs. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Chris, Catelyn, Emily, and the entire family, including her NCCI family.
Rest in peace, my beautiful Tara. You left an unforgettable mark and will be deeply missed, and as we always said, love you girl ❤️
Love always, Georgia.

National Council on Compensation Insurance/NCCI,  Tara's workplace: 
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Tara Mercer. Tara leaves behind her husband of over 25 years, Chris, and her two daughters, Catelyn and Emily. 
Tara was part of the NCCI family for 31 years and a true friend and partner to many across the organization. Those who knew Tara instantly felt welcomed—she had a remarkable way of connecting with everyone she met.  
Throughout her time at NCCI, Tara made a meaningful and lasting impact. She began her career in  Customer Service, then a manager in Experience Rating,  moved to Data Resources, then took her talents to Product Management before joining the Atlas Team. Tara brought expertise, a deep passion for improving the customer experience, and a commitment to making NCCI’s products more intuitive and accessible. She excelled at capturing the Voice of the Customer and translating those insights into thoughtful product enhancements.   
Tara’s influence is woven into many of the products and services our customers rely on today, including ncci.com. She leaves an especially strong legacy within the WC Operations Division, where her vision helped shape both the Class Look-Up tool and the broader NCCI Atlas platform—solutions that support our customers today. 
Tara was a tremendous asset to NCCI. She was a consummate professional who cared deeply about her colleagues, our customers, and the quality of the work she delivered. Tara’s loss will be deeply felt across the organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris, Catelyn, and Emily during this incredibly difficult time.

I can't believe you are not with us. I will always remember your beautiful smile and happy days.

Tara was the brillant sunshine in the room.   She was a beautiful person from the inside out.  My deepest sympathies to Chris, his daughters and the entire Mercer family.

Giving a presentation about Atlas at AIS Insights Theater

Tara was truly one of a kind!  She was my dear friend with whom I had the pleasure of working with for over 31 years.  She was the strongest woman I’ve ever known and to say she was a fighter is an understatement.  I’m grateful to know she is no longer in pain.  My prayers, sympathies and condolences to The Mercer Family and for all those that had the opportunity to be part of her life journey.  I will miss her so much!

Jessie Lorenz worked in Experience Rating and good friends with Tara.

Dear Chris Emily and Katelyn ,
We are truly saddened by Tara’s passing.. She was a very brave and courageous woman 
and had great admiration for her strength and courage.Even in her hardest battle she always wore a smile and kept her positive attitude. 
We will miss her ,we pray her new journey will be free from all obstacles and hindrances and she will be surrounded with light, lightness and good entities.Sleep peacefully Sweet 
May you find strength and faith in this very difficult time. 🙏🙏.  Lex and Sattie.

Chris Sember and Fred Ariola, some of the original crew.  A good time at Gerald and Mary’s wedding.

Sending my love & heartfelt condolences to Tara’s family & loved ones. Tara had a huge heart. She loved her family & friends with such ingrained loyalty & protectiveness. I worked with Tara then moved out of state. Whenever I visited her she would act as if no time had passed. I’m grateful for her friendship & kindness. 

I’m sorry that she went through this illness. I know she’s in Heaven continuing to protect her family & love them every day,  Sending my love to everyone she held close.

Days at the Colony beach club were great!!

Always love to share a laugh and a smile, even when things were hard; we had fun!
Will miss  our chats about our “Chris’ “ , kids, work and life. 💕

If you searched the world for a friend, one who was kind, supportive, loved living for her husband and two beautiful daughters you would have found Tara. There are no words. I will miss you so very much.
Love you
Lisa

OBITUARY

Tara Ann Mercer

September 23, 1971 – January 29, 2026

Babione Funeral Home

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