Thomas “Tom” Lee Tabern, 86, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Jan. 1, Tom was born in Bowling Green, Ohio, on Dec. 3, 1936, to Dr. Donalee L. and Beatrice Whitacre Tabern. He was the youngest of two children, brother to the late Jerome Tabern (Kay).
Tom spent almost all of his life living in the northern suburbs of Chicago. After graduating from Lake Forest High School in 1954, Tom attended both Carlton College and Northwestern University. He began his career as assistant sales manager and contract administrator for American Hospital Supply Corporation in Evanston, Illinois. He then spent most of his career in the health and life insurance field, including as underwriter at Washington National Insurance Company in Evanston, assistant manager at CNA in Chicago, and ended his career at General Finance Corporation as employee benefit manager.
Thomas was a regular donor to many causes including the arts, animal shelters, plussocial justice, environmental, homeless and veterans charity causes. He was also a supporter of various historical societies and food banks. Tom was active in his faith and attended both Grace Lutheran and St. Giles Episcopal churches in Northbrook, Illinois.
Tom is survived by his daughter, Susan (Jeffery) McMahon, of Oswego, Illinois; his stepdaughter, Jennifer Collins, of New York City; and Robert (Kandace) Tabern, of Barron, Wisconsin; plus grandchildren, Ryan and Sean; and former wife, Rita Sierszen Tabern. Thomas was preceded in death by his loving wife of 31 years, Beverly Walker Tabern, who he enjoyed classical music concerts, opera, live theater and travel with.
His family wishes to express its deep appreciation and gratitude to Tom’s doctors at NorthShore Health, Kellogg Cancer Center, and to The Key for the team of caring and essential home care professionals who gave Tom the support he needed to remain at home while fighting his cancer battle over the last 15 months.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MasterVoices, 57 West, 57th St., Third Floor Suite 324, New York, NY 10019, mastervoices.org, or to St. Giles Episcopal Church, 3025 Walters Ave., Northbrook, saint-giles.org.
Funeral arrangements will be through N.H. Scott & Hanekamp; the funeral will be held at St. Giles on Friday, Jan. 13. The interment will be at Northshore Garden of Memories on Saturday, Jan. 14.
