Tasha R. Polizzi, 72

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Tasha R. Polizzi, 72, of Great Barrington died August 9, 2017, after a brave battle with cancer.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on August 20, 1944, she was the eldest daughter of Raymond and Helen (Rodgers) Bauer. She attended Brentwood High School in Pittsburgh, and later moved to Manhattan after being discovered by Geoffrey Beene.

Tasha worked for years in New York as a successful fashion model, before transitioning to her true passion, clothing design. Tasha spent 10 years as director of women's design at Ralph Lauren, two years as head of design for Calvin Klein, and one year at Banana Republic. In 1990, Tasha moved to the Berkshires full time with her husband, to raise her children and start their business. In addition to her store, T.P. Saddleblanket in Great Barrington, Tasha designed and ran a successful clothing line under her name.

From Brimfield to Santa Fe, Tasha felt most at home at flea markets and vintage clothing stores. Those who knew Tasha knew she never stopped moving and was constantly searching for inspiration, whether from the beautiful fall landscape of the Berkshires or her extensive Native American blanket collection.

Her passion for design was only outpaced by her passion for her family, whom she loved with all her heart.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, John "Jack" Polizzi of Great Barrigton; son John Polizzi and his wife Ashley of Great Barrington; son Christopher Polizzi and his wife Kelli of Cookeville, Tenn; loving mother, Helen "Ginger" Bauer, 95, of Pittsburgh, Penn.; her siblings Lois, Ray, and Bill and their spouses; and several nephews.

Funeral notice: A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Great Barrington, conducted by Rev. William Murphy, Pastor. The family will receive friends on Monday, August 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.