Eva Tarini, known affectionately to family and friends as “Babe” was born March 5, 1922 and left us peacefully on March 17, 2025 at the age of 103.
Daughter of the late Mario and Carmela Proietti, Babe lived in her childhood home in Shelton CT for most of her adult life and was an employee of Chromium Process in Shelton from her 20’s until she retired in her 60’s.
Babe was a fascinating blend of heartfelt anxiety always sweetly, but irrationally, worrying about the well-being of those around her (earning her the high school nickname “The Worry Wart”) and fierce independence and daring, making frequent overnight trips to NYC in her 20s with her girlfriends to see some of Broadway’s greatest shows.
Above all, the traits that stand out most are her deep love and devotion to family, her kindness, and her generosity.
Although, as Babe would say, she was “never blessed” with children of her own, she poured her love into being a godmother to Judy Primavera, Robert Cannizzaro, Rochelle Nolan, and Dan Sabatini and a doting “Aunt Babe” to Kari Hulley Nardone, David Cannizzaro and many more nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and countless others. Babe was a special person who loved and was loved by so many.
Babe was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband Leo “Dan” Tarini; her five siblings, Eva Carducci, Cal Sabatini, Eben Sabatini, Rico Sabatini, Theresa Primavera; two special women in her life — her cousin Marianne Cannizzaro and her grand-niece Jamie Hulley; and many other loved ones over her long life.
Babe loved Broadway musicals, the opera, classic movies especially those with Gene Kelly dancing his heart out, the music of ’40 crooners Tony Bennett & Frank Sinatra, and watching the Yankees on TV. Most of all, Babe filled her time and life caring for others. She was the best babysitter any child could ask for – always willing to listen, to play, to cuddle.
Babe was a loyal friend and an amazing caretaker to those in need. She was incredibly selfless, giving anyone the food off her plate or the shirt off her back. Over her 103 years, Babe touched so many lives and will greatly missed. Aunt Babe – we love you … you are in our hearts forever.
Services will be private.
It was Babe’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation, PO Box 1208, Orange, CT 06497 or www.jamiehulleyartsfund.org.
