Jessica Lou Tarr
WATERLOO – Jessica Lou (Roberts) Tarr, age 92, of Waterloo, NY, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026. Jessica was born in Rochester, NY, to Arthur Eugene and Janet Virginia (Ebert) Roberts. She graduated from Gates Chili High School in 1951 and from the Cornell University School of Human Ecology in 1955 with a B.A. degree. She was a Pi Beta Phi sorority member. She received a Registered Dietitian license from the University of Michigan in 1956. Jessica met her husband, John Albert Tarr, in the Cornell University Home Economics cafeteria.
Jessica married John in Rochester, NY, on May 4, 1957, and has three children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Jessica joined John in the operation of the family farm and Tarr’s Dairy milk plant.
Jessica taught dietetics at the Geneva General Hospital School of Nursing. She volunteered for several organizations throughout her life, including the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H, Geneva General Hospital Lobby Shop, Geneva Concert Association, Presbyterian Women, and SERRV International Shop. In 2006, Jessica received a Silver Honoree award from the MetLife Foundation in Washington, DC, recognizing her volunteer hours over her 50 years of service. She sang in the church choir throughout her active membership in the Presbyterian Church. Jessica loved to bake, judge baked goods at the county fair, and contributed to church events.
Jessica is survived by a son, Alan (Shelley) Tarr of Idaho; two daughters, Janet Wixom of Victor, NY, and Karen (Steve) Oricchio of Connecticut. There are four grandchildren: Tiffany (Tom) Detrie, US Army Major Jacob (Kelli) Wixom, Matthew (Jess) Oricchio, and Andrew (Christy) Oricchio. There are six great-grandchildren whom she enjoyed so much in her final years: Henry and Emma Wixom, Benjamin Detrie, Aubree and Rocco Oricchio, and Madeleine Oricchio. She is also survived by her sister, Dr. Sandra R. Byers, and several nieces and nephews.
Jessica was predeceased by her husband, John, in September 2025, her parents, her sister, Dr. Virginia Ann Roberts, and her son-in-law, Timothy Wixom.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10 am at The Presbyterian Church in Geneva. Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery following the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Presbyterian Church in Geneva. We would like to thank the staff at the Seneca Lake Terrace for their care and compassion over the last 11 months.