Carmella Ann Tarte, of Saco, Maine passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024 with loving family by her side. She had just celebrated her 95th birthday.

Carmella was born in Boston, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Ralph and Concetta (Paziole) Garland. She grew up in Mansfield, Massachusetts and graduated from Mansfield High School in 1947.

Carmella and James "Red" Tarte fell in love and were married in 1951. They began their life together in Mansfield, raising their two daughters there. Later in life, Carmella and Red moved to Mattapoisett and enjoyed living near the ocean for several years. More recently, they lived in Wrentham, Massachusetts and finally settled in Saco, Maine.

Carmella was an avid reader and loved to talk about books. She often passed novels she finished to friends and family she thought would enjoy them. She loved baseball and closely followed the Boston Red Sox over the years. She was a huge fan of her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's athletic teams and events. Carmella also had a passion for plants, flower gardens and bird watching. Pansies, violets, cardinals and hummingbirds were some of her favorites. Carmella had a generous heart and was a joy to everyone she met.

Most of all, Carmella loved her family and friends and the time spent together. She cherished catching up with people over long talks on the phone. She treasured visits and adventures with her loved ones. She was a self taught cook and kept her family well fed and never let anyone go hungry. Her family meals will certainly be missed.

Carmella is survived by her husband of 73 years, James "Red" Tarte; her daughter Lesley McGrath and husband Paul; her son in law Michael Jackson and wife Fran. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Jenna (Brian), Evan (Tom), Luke (Mallory), Micah (Jeff), Jillian (Eric), Sam (Laura), and Emma. Carmella also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren whom she adored: Lauren, Brendan, Olivia, Rocco, Julia, Owen, Kyle, Elijah, Matilda, Juniper, and Jamie. Carmella was excited about the arrival of a twelfth great-grandchild expected in the fall. She is also survived by her brother James Garland (Ellen). She was a beloved Auntie Camay to several nieces and nephews she was close to.

She was predeceased by her daughter Jamie Jackson; her grandson Jared Eskedahl; her brothers: Ralph Garland and Salvatore Garland; her sisters: Marguerite Paioni and Marianne Gibson.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Maine Medical Center and Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for the tender and thoughtful care provided in Carmella's final days.

Services will be private. In memory of Carmella, please plant a tree or some flowers, pass a good book along to a friend, plan a family meal with loved ones, or make a donation to a charity of your choice.