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Professional Court Jester From York Killed By Cancer Complications In Texas

A Pennsylvania native, and professional court jester who worked the Renaissance Faire circuit across the US, has died after battling cancer, so her community is coming to Pennsylvania to celebrate her life on Saturday, Feb. 24. 

Professional Court Jester Tara Lynn Forbes Reed from York, PA who died after a year-long battle against stage four lung cancer, according to her obituary. 

Professional Court Jester Tara Lynn Forbes Reed from York, PA who died after a year-long battle against stage four lung cancer, according to her obituary. 

Photo Credit: Facebook/Tara Mark Reed @Taramarkreed

Tara Lynn Forbes Reed known to many by her jester name "Ima Nutte" passed away from complications of metastasis from her stage four lung cancer on Thursday, Jan. 25, according to her obituary.   

Tara was known for her performances with her husband, Marquise or Mark, and 5 of their 8 dogs, as explained in her obituary. The pair of jesters worked the circuit for 27 years with performances including "Fool School", "Untrained Dog Show", and "Magic Show".

She had been living in a mobile home and commuting to the Texas Renaissance Festival grounds in a golf cart for nearly two years when she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. The cancer advanced quickly and she soon struggled to walk, but thanks to the care and support of her community she rallied and was able to perform at the festival from October 7 to November 26, 2023, before returning to PA to spend the holidays with her family. 

Tara was a fierce believer in unconditional love for everyone, which is why so many people have been happy to help cover her medical bills and help her husband Mark through this difficult time. 

Over $32,800 has been raised of a $80,000 goal as of Feb. 23. 

She is survived by Mark Reed and their 8 dogs; parents Larry and Phyllis Forbes; sister Teresa Rowe (Glen) and their son and daughter, extended family, and her Ren Faire family.

A celebration of her life will be held at Genesis Church, 1405 Seven Valleys Rd, York PA 17408 on Saturday, Feb. 24. The visitation is at 10:30 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m.

Click here to read her full obituary. 

Click here to donate to the GoFundMe campaign.

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