Tahra Richardson

Tahra Richardson (born “Holly Ann”), a longtime performer, crafter, event planner and beloved friend to all who knew her, left this life on September 21st, 2025 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was 69 years old when complications from nearly 15 years with Lymphedema took their toll. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Scott, and her beloved dog, Chakra.

Tahra was born in Massachusetts, but lived most of her young life in Avon, Connecticut, before coming to Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1974. There, she met her two soon-to-be lifetime friends/fellow musicians, Cyndia and Renee. In 2022, Renee invited Tahra to relocate from Florida to Michigan as Tahra’s health declined, caring for her (and her dogs!) right up to the time her body transitioned to its next place.

Tahra had a wonderful life despite her physical challenges from her illness. She was in several bands in the Boston area, including The Belle-Aires with her two friends, then enjoyed annual house gigs in Bermuda at the Hog Penny Pub in the early 80’s. Before long, her energy and wander lust took her to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. There, she was a dynamic solo guitar/vocal act as well as part of a well-known island group, the TNT Band featuring Tahra, Robert Leonard, Dean Prince and Tom Hightree. According to her long-time friend, Janet Reiter, “Tahra was single-handedly indispensable on St. Thomas for music and events” as she also became known as an event planner and creating baskets for any occasion.

To say that Tahra dabbled in everything and anything that caught her interest is an understatement. Among her many curiosities was a fascination with “Tall Grey Aliens”. She spent many a night connecting with and talking online to other believers all around the world. It comforted her greatly to think that such things as aliens and even fairies may be awaiting her in the next life.

Wherever Tahra is now, she has left behind love, light and a legacy that lives on in all who loved her, including her precious dog, “Diamond” who is now a member of Renee’s family. Her ashes will be brought to St. Thomas in December by her friend, Janet, and find their final resting place in the waters of the beautiful island she called home for so long.

Memorial donations in Tahra’s honor can be made to:

The National Lymphedema Society, www.lymphnet.org/donations.