Physician, eternal optimist, church musician, Slicer, LaPortean. More than 400 gather to honor Dr. Tamara O’Neal

While a heartbreaking event, it became a uniting community event. Nearly 500 family members, friends and complete strangers gathered at LaPorte’s First Church of God Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, to honor the life of Dr. Tamara O’Neal. In what can best described as a grand celebration of Dr. O’Neal’s life, the service included beautiful music as well as several people who spoke about their lost friend and family member in glowing terms and described the 1998 LaPorte High School graduate as a devoted follower of Christ who “loved helping people” and “had a heart of gold.” The tragic events that took Dr. O’Neal’s life drew nationwide attention, and that continued at the funeral service: Nearly a dozen media trucks representing news outlets from Chicago and South Bend took the first row of parking at the church. The two-hour service was followed by a procession that led from the church on East Lincolnway along the county roads to Pine Lake Cemetery. Police officers blocked off Severs Road between Ind. 39 and U.S. 35 so that the nearly 100 vehicles could park and easily access the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Fellowship Worship Center, 2468 N. Ind. 39, LaPorte, IN 46350; and https://www.gofundme.com/TamaraEOnealMemorialFund.