Tara Burns Sweeney

Tara was a loving daughter, sister, friend and colleague. Tara touched many lives through her enduring commitment to strong, caring relationships both personal and professional. She was an inspiration and joy to all who were fortunate enough to know her well. Tara’s stay with us was all too short yet filled with so many wonderful memories. A Santa Barbara resident of over 27 years, Tara developed multiple community relationships through the sports of soccer, paddling, skiing and cycling. Born in San Jose, California, Tara attended St. Martin of Tours Catholic School followed by Blackford High School where she was an outstanding scholar athlete and graduated in 1981. Tara played 3 sports every year at Blackford, mainly soccer and volleyball. She then went on to University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology in 1985 graduating Magnum Cum Laude while playing two sports, soccer and badminton. Tara was an integral part of the launch in the early years of the women’s soccer program at UCLA where she was co-captain and All-League Defense Player her junior and senior years. Just recently, the UCLA Athletic Department recognized Tara and her teammates. They were honored as pioneers of women’s soccer. Immediately following graduation from UCLA, Tara entered a Bachelor’s Degree program at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and graduated in 1988. In 2004, Tara earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pasadena, CA.

Tara was an exceptional physical therapy practitioner, collaborating with local physicians who held her in very high regard. When Tara moved to Santa Barbara she joined the innovative, expert team at Precision Biomechanics and in 2000, she launched Sweeney Sport and Spine Care. Tara had a strong background in spine care and helped to bridge chiropractic and physical therapy care. Tara worked collaboratively with physicians and health care providers to establish a comprehensive healing treatment plan for her patients. For many, she was a true healer who transformed lives by creatively solving both acute and chronic pain for her patients. Tara was a nationally recognized speaker including presentations at The Mayo Clinic, authored multiple articles and studies and volunteered at various local clubs.

Tara was preceded in death by her parents; Eileen and Jeremiah Sweeney. Also preceded in death by brother, Tighe Sweeney. She is survived by her brother, Scott (Sandy) Sweeney, their two sons, sisters Carleen Sweeney, Shannon Sweeney Donlon and brother, Cordell (Jannine) Sweeney, their daughters and many extended family members. Services for Tara will be held at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church on Friday, March 2nd at 8:30 AM. St. Irenaeus is located at 5201 Evergreen Road, Cypress, CA 90630. Telephone 714.826.8760. Private burial to be held at a later date. A Celebration of Life service will be held on April 13th in Santa Barbara, CA. Details to be provided in early April.