Cara Summer Spalinger Taaj

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Cara Summer Spalinger Taaj of Roswell, Georgia on February 9, 2023, at the age of 40 years. She was born July 30, 1982, in Katy, Texas, and will be dearly missed by all her friends and family. She will be lovingly remembered by her only son, Gabriel Berjees Taaj, and her adoring cat, George.

She was predeceased by her loving father, Thomas Franklin Spalinger. Cara is survived by her mother, Rachael Ann Mullinax, her stepfather Joel Mullinax; her brothers, Cuyler (Malissa) and Jason Sutton, and her sister Autumn (Ike) Spalinger Haddad Collins. She was a wonderful Aunt to all her nieces and nephews, Lauren (Carlos) Asencio, CD Sutton, Travis (Sonya) Sutton, Camden Sutton, Hayden Sutton, Olivia Haddad, and Rossin Haddad. She is also survived by her former husband, Shawn (Audrey) Taaj as well as Gabriel’s siblings, Hannah, and Moses.

Cara graduated in 2001 from the Parkview High School System in Lilburn, GA. She pursued college studies at Dekalb College and Kennesaw. While attending college, Cara was with Spa Sydell in customer care. After her son Gabe was born, she was instrumental in teaching at The Goddard School of Marietta. She was successful in helping many youngsters to develop a love of learning which led her to excel as a nanny for several families.

She moved on from the nanny positions to her passion for planning events as an event planner. Unfortunately COVID put a hold on this position.

Thru networking, Cara found an office position with Superior Rigging in Atlanta and wanting to find a position closer to her home in Roswell, she joined Remington Medical in Alpharetta as an HR Generalist.

In this position she also utilized her talents and love of planning events at the office. Cara was to receive a first year recognition from the company before her tragic sudden death from an epileptic seizure on 02-09-23.

The family gathered at Roswell Azalea Park on 02-14-23 by the river for a special service for Cara. This was one of Cara’s and Gabe’s favorite places to go and be in God’s Creation.

We have placed a memorial plaque at the Pavillon where this service was held.

On Earth Day, 04-22-23, a very meaningful service was held at The Catholic Church of The Transfiguration Chapel in Marietta, GA where the family gathered for the blessing of Cara’s Ashes by the Priest. (This is the church where Gabe confessed his faith. Cara had a deep faith and often complimented Andy Stanley at NPCC where she attended.)

On 07-30-23, Cara’s Birthday, a Celebration of Life for Cara was held from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Next2Pure in Alpharetta. This event was a wonderful tribute to Cara for many that had been touched by Cara’s love including her family, long time friends, book club members, her Burn Exercise Group, nanny families, business contacts, etc.

Thanks to all of you for your touching kind words and for honoring Cara with your attendance.

A memorial will be placed in honor of Cara at Azalea Park in Roswell as Cara and Gabe loved hiking along the river.

Memorial donations can be made in her name to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, 214 Stable Road, Jekyll Island, GA, 31527.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roswellfuneralhome.com for the Taaj family.