Tallmadge Renault
Old Lyme — Tallmadge “Tal” Starr Renault, 79, of Sandpiper Point Road, passed away from esophageal cancer Thursday, April 21, 2022, in the company of her loving children. “Tal” was born June 8, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pa., the daughter of May Bell (Krumbhaar) and Floyd Tallmadge Starr, both of Philadelphia.
She was educated at Springside School and the Foxcroft School. She continued her education at Briarcliff College, and then Smith College from which she earned a bachelor’s in art history in 1965. After leaving Smith, she moved to New York City, where she studied at the Parsons School of Design, earning a master’s in graphic design. She worked for several advertising firms where she honed her skills as a designer and typesetter. While living in New York, she discovered an interest in French cooking, which she developed by giving dinner parties to her many friends. She was introduced to Robert “Bob” Renault whom she would marry in December of 1982. They enjoyed going to Broadway, the opera, and traveling — activities she loved throughout her life.
Wanting to raise a family out of the city, they moved to Connecticut, finally settling in Old Lyme, where she raised her two children, and lived in the same house for 33 years. Taking advantage of Old Lyme’s thriving art scene, Tal took classes in watercolor painting, and joined the Lyme Art Association. She also took digital design classes at RISD, and operated “Renault Design” for many years, helping local businesses with their graphic design needs. She was a lifetime summer resident of Watch Hill, R.I., where she developed her cutthroat game of croquet. She was an active member of the Misquamicut Club, where she played tennis and golf, frequently accompanied on the back nine by her beloved dog Joey.
Tal had a love for music. She attended operas at the Metropolitan Opera for most of her life and passed that passion on to her son. For many years, she sang with Cappella Cantorum, Madison, and accompanied them on their European tours, singing in such places as St. Peter’s Basilica. She adored going to see the “Oberammergau Passion Play” and the Bayreuth Festival.
Tal was also generous with her time. She volunteered for the Child and Family Agency for many years. She worked as a hospice volunteer, providing company and joy for those in need. She also was able to serve Cappella Cantorum and Smith College’s Alumnae Association as a graphic designer for their publications.
Tal delighted in her husband and children. Some of her greatest memories were of the many trips she took with them, exploring museums in Europe, or swimming in tropical waters. She had a daring spirit: in her 50s, she was often barreling down the streets of Manhattan on rollerblades with her children. She had an ardent love for dogs and considered them a special part of the family. Tal had an exuberant personality and a tireless zest for life.
She was compassionate, but also brutally honest. She was endlessly curious; she earned her second bachelor’s degree (BFA from Lyme Academy) the day after her daughter graduated from college. She will be remembered for her lust for adventure (on and off the road!) and her infectious laugh that filled the room. She will be profoundly missed, and her memories greatly cherished.
She is survived by her son Reed; daughter Robin (Logan) Menzies; grandson Robert Menzies; and her sisters, Nancy Tyson and May Emerson. She is predeceased by her brother Tatnall Starr.
A memorial service will be held at noon Sunday, June 5, at the Watch Hill Chapel, 5 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill, R.I. In recognition of their efforts in saving Tal’s life as a newborn, please consider a donation to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Tal’s name, CHOP Foundation, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352; Or, Stand Up For Animals, a charity dear to Tal’s heart, Stand Up For Animals, 33 Larry Hirsch Lane, Suite B, Westerly, RI 02891.