Inez J. (Grooms) O'Hara

Our beloved Inez J. O’Hara, 101, passed away peacefully at Memorial Hospital on Sunday, November 3, 2024. She was born to the late Lewis and Blanche Grooms on February 2,1923 in Charleston, SC. On June 17, 1947, Inez married the love of her life, James W. O’Hara, Sr in Charleston, who preceded her in death on May 17, 1977. She was also preceded in death by son James W. O’Hara, Jr. Inez is survived by son, Patrick L. O’Hara, of South Bend and daughters in law, Charlotte O’Hara, of Windber, PA and Donna O’Hara, of South Bend, IN; 6 grandchildren, James E. (Amy) O’Hara and Ashley O’Hara of Windber, PA, Samantha (Jonathan) Pluta, Sarah (Steven) Spurrier of Granger, IN, Patrick J. O’Hara and Sean O’Hara of South Bend, IN; 8 great grandchildren, Tyson and Quinn O’Hara, James Ziegert, Louie, Leo, Sullivan, Finnian, and Eviana Spurrier.

Inez graduated from Newberry College in 1946 and taught for 5 years in South Carolina Schools before moving to South Bend, where she was one of the first women to earn her Masters Degree in Education from the University of Notre Dame in 1966. Inez concluded her teaching career after 30 years with the South Bend School Corporation in 1985. She was also a member of the Indiana State Teachers Association and St. Joe Valley Retired Teachers Association. And even when her classroom teaching was done, she continued to teach her grandkids with extra Phonics books every day after school. 

Inez was an avid traveler across the country with her beloved Jim and overseas with her best friends. She also loved to read, enjoyed cross-stitching/needlepoint, Sudoku puzzles and word searches. Inez also volunteered as a Meals on Wheels driver for many years. She also had a love of Notre Dame sports which has been passed down to her grandchildren. Later in life, Inez had great joy from annual visits from out of town family for ND weekends and the entertainment of her great grandchildren dancing through the nursing home, creating laughter from her that will always be remembered.

Inez will always be remembered for her kind heart, independence, fiery spirit, witty responses, and knowledge of all things. She will be missed by all her family and dear friends, especially Mickey O’Hara, June Harper, Beatrice Robertson, China and Mildred Miller. Her son, Patrick, was always by her side, ensuring his mother had everything she needed and was never without company.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2024 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN.

Inez’s presence was a gift, and the memories shared are a precious legacy that will be cherished by all that knew her. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the caretakers and staff at Wellbrook Nursing Home for the wonderful care they provided Grandma, and to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Hospital for their kindness and comfort during her final days. 

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Inez J. (Grooms) O'Hara, please visit our floral store.