Tara Regina O'Donnell

Tara was many things to many people. Friend, colleague, confidant. But her most cherished roles were as daughter, sister, and aunt. Tara was known for her beautiful blue eyes, kindness, warm smile, and eagerness to help anyone in need.

When she wasn’t sipping bubbles and watching Bravo, Tara was an avid reader. One of her joys throughout her fight with cancer was her regular book club with friends. Tara shared her love of books with her nephew, especially Harry Potter.

Tara has always been a fighter. She fought through a learning disability and went on to graduate from Allentown College of St Francis de Sales. Tara found her calling in the legal field, first as a paralegal at a law firm for 14 years, and then working in the legal department at United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Tara loved her job at USP and the people she worked with. She was always proud to see the work she enabled. Throughout her cancer fight, work was one of the few places where she felt normal and whole.

Tara loved traveling and spent many a grand vacation with family and friends, visiting multiple states and countries on 4 continents. She enjoyed the beach most of all.

Tara was a dedicated aunt, who spoiled her nephew rotten. There were no rules at Aunt Tara’s house, leading her sister to say, “maybe not everyone needs an Aunt Tara.” From band concerts, to tee ball games, Tara was there and always so proud of her nephew. Everyone needs an Aunt Tara.

Tara is survived by her mother, Jeanne; sister, Heather; and nephew, Jack. She is predeceased by her father, John; and sister, Allison.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance in Tara’s name, here: https://impact.ccalliance.org/taraodonnell

A celebration of life memorial service for Tara will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046.