Therese Ann O'Mara

It is with profound love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Therese, she was surrounded by her family on Saturday, July 11, 2026

Therese O’Mara was 73, born December 3rd, 1952 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Madalione O’Mara and William O’Mara. She attended St. Mary Academy from 1968-1971.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 32 years, Stephen Orebaugh; children, Angie Cornwell-Ramey, Candace Cornwell, James (Glenna) Cornwell, and Aaron (LaNette) Orebaugh; her adored granddaughter, Lydia Cornwell; sister, Kathy (Robert) Vondersaar;  brothers, Mike O’Mara and Tim (Kris) O’Mara; 26 nieces and nephews; and many other family members and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her father, William O’Mara; mother, Madalione O’Mara; brothers, Jerry Scheller and Patrick (Joan) O’Mara; and sisters, Patty West, MaryJoan Scheller, Jan O’Mara.

Therese was a force of nature, a strong willed woman of extraordinary strength. She approach life with courage and grace. She was defined by her fierce independence and a heart that knew no bounds. After building a successful life on her own terms, she demonstrated the depth of her character when her mother needed her most, without hesitation. She opened her home and spent years serving as her mother‘s primary caregiver. She navigated this chapter of her life with remarkable patients, dignity, and love, ensuring her mother‘s twilight years were filled with comfort and love beyond her profound devotion as a daughter.

Therese dedicated her life to her family as a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother, and as a devoted homemaker, caregiver. She always put the needs of others before her own creating a warm and welcoming home, filled with love, comfort and support.

To her family, Therese was a steadfast anchor. To her community, She was so much more. Her strong will, resilience and the grit required to successfully run an independent business for decades. She opened her doors and her heart running a beloved in-home daycare. She cherished every moment spent caring for the children entrusted to her. Her greatest joy was caring for others and her kindness, selflessness and unwavering devotion will be cherished and remembered. She wasn’t just a caregiver. She was a teacher, an advocate for her children and a second mother to countless kids.

Outside of operating her own business, she enjoyed and continued to advocate for the voiceless.

Therese lived life entirely on her own terms with a fierce spirit and a heart completely devoted to the voiceless, a true trailblazer. She carved her own path and spent years rescuing, rehabilitating and advocating for animals in need. Her home was a haven for countless rescued animals who found warmth and safety under her care. She had a deep love and passion for animal welfare. She spent countless hours volunteering her time with “Life After Racing” Greyhound Rescue and Italian Greyhound Rescue. She leaves behind a legacy of unapologetic strength, and boundless compassion.

Though small in stature,Therese had a spirit that could fill any room.

She was unwavering in her convictions, always standing up for what she believed in, and she installed those same values of resilience and compassion into her own children.

Among her greatest joy in life was being a grandmother. Therese lived a life, deeply rooted in family, but her truest masterpiece was the bond she shared with her granddaughter, Lydia Leeann. To her, there was no sweeter music than the sound of her dancing shoes and no brighter stage than the one Lydia stood on. She was not just a spectator in her granddaughter‘s dance journey, she was its heartbeat. Therese spent countless hours in the auditorium seats, her face illuminating with pure pride and a radiant smile. She took immense joy in watching her granddaughter grow in confidence, grace, and artistry. Viewing each performance as a beautiful reflection of the love they shared. She was her granddaughter‘s ultimate cheerleader. She poured her heart into supporting Lydia‘s passion and love for dance. She never missed a performance and the memories of laughter, encouragement, and joy will be cherished forever. Though she has left the audience her spirit will forever sit front and center at every future performance cheering just as loudly.

Therese was so much more than just a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, Aunt. She was our biggest cheerleader, mentor, and best friend. She was a pillar of resilience for her family and leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, selflessness and unconditional love. We have years of cherished memories that we will carry for a lifetime. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Honoring Therese’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. The family will celebrate her life privately. We do ask that you share your favorite memories and photos on the tribute page.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring her memory by making a donation to Italian Greyhound Rescue, or any animal rescue/shelter of your choice. Continuing the work she cared for so deeply.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3ED8KWB62NEQ8

Condolences may be sent to the Family at 6903 W 11th Street, Indpls, IN 46214.