Therese M. Stewart, 70

It is with great sadness that the family of Therese Marie (Olechoski) Stewart, share the news of her passing on Thursday, March 27th, 2025 at the Josie Harper Hospice House. In her true warrior fashion, Therese put up a hell of a fight after a five-month battle from suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm on October 26th, 2024.

Born in Omaha, NE on February 23, 1955, Therese was the eldest of three daughters born to Charlotte & Ty Olechoski. She attended St. Stanislaus Grade School and South High School. One could say her South Omaha Polish Packer Pride ran deep.

Therese chose a career working for the City of Omaha as a Civil Rights Investigator. Always a dedicated and hard worker, she retired after 25+ years of service, but never lost the love of asking a good question…and then following it up with another one. She loved to know all of the who, what, where, when & why’s of any story that she was told.

In 1991, Therese met Duane Stewart at the Polish Home and were soon inseparable. They shared much in common, such as their devotion to family, being graduates of South High and a love for the St. Stan’s Polish festival. They were married in 2003. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed playing in co-ed leagues, traveling when possible, and most of all, raising their combined five children, Tracy, Matt, Mark, Kelly & Krissy.

Once Therese retired, much of her time was spent with her grandchildren. Whether it was cheering them on at their sporting and school events, baking cupcakes, playing cards, painting nails, or picking them up after school for a special trip to Runza, she was there for them.

In recent years, Therese and Duane could be found on Wednesday evenings in the summer helping make pierogi for the St. Stans festival. Therese looked forward to each festival as one of her favorite days of the year. She would spend it chatting with old friends, hanging out with family, playing pickles, polka dancing, and spending “too much money trying to win a damn salami.”
Therese also was on the South High Class of 1973 Reunion Committee. Every five years, for the past 50 years, she dedicated her time to try and plan the best party ever with the rest of the committee crew. Lifelong friends, they began to meet more often, and really enjoyed their time together.

She enjoyed gardening and collecting bells, thimbles, Precious Moments, and anything frog related. Proud dog mom to Gracie and then Zoey, she could often be found at the La Vista dog park and cherished the friendships she made there. Her love of animals wasn’t limited to dogs though, as any stray cat in her neighborhood was well aware. They knew where to go for dinner at 6pm and a warm bed made from a bin under her front bushes.

Therese was a loving wife, caring daughter, beloved mother, fun sister, devoted grandmother, and a dear friend to many. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind or give you the shirt off her back. She was always ready to help in any way that she could, and she will be missed more than anyone knows.

Therese is survived by her husband, Duane; mother, Charlotte Olechoski; children, Tracy (Mike) Modra, Matthew (Kristi) Stewart, Mark Stewart (Ashley), Krissy (Jason) Barlow, Kelly Stewart (Bill); grandchildren, Kylee, Sophia, Leah, and Stella; sisters, Christine (Larry) Schmidt, and Karen Olechoski; nephew, Joel Olechoski. Preceded in death by her father, Theodore Olechoski.