Nancy M. McNamara

Nancy Marie McNamara, born June 24, 1932, in South Boston, MA, daughter of Alice and Phillip McDonnell, returned home peacefully on January 6, 2022, to the everlasting open arms of God, her beloved husband Joseph, and many family members and friends. She was also pre- deceased by her sisters Margaret Haltmaier and Ellen Woodward, and her brother “Buddy” McDonnell. Her greatest treasure was her family: her son Robert McNamara (& Mary), Ellen Swirsky (& Brian), Patricia Kasierski (& Carl), and Kathleen Lawrence (& Steve); as well as her eleven grandchildren and spouses: Rob McNamara Jr., Alison (McNamara) & Timothy Owens; Rachel (Swirsky) & William Pearce, Eric Swirsky & Ashley Garner, Laura Swirsky; Jillian (Kasierski) & Jay Charest, Maura (Kasierski) & Keegan McGovern, Samantha Kasierski and fiancé Kevin Templin, Timothy Kasierski; Joseph Lawrence & Ellen Lawrence. Her heart became more full with the addition of her great grandchildren Ryland Charest, Beckett Pearce and one on the way.

To say she will be missed is an understatement. One of the last survivors of the great generation that moved to Northborough in 1960, she was very involved in her church, St. Rose of Lima and the town. Anyone who knew her loved her. Because of her, people would often tell her they wanted to be a part of the McNamara family. Her sparkling blue eyes, quick smile, enormous capacity to love others and famous huge “Nana hugs” were her trademark. Nancy prayed her rosary daily and had special intentions for each person in her life.

Her stories were colorful and full of memories of “the good old days”. She and her friends in Northborough celebrated every big and little occasion with creativity and gusto. Her sayings and sense of humor were unmatched. Nancy and Joe organized an entire family vacation every year and the tradition continues to this day. They taught their family to cherish the simple, yet grand and elusive gift of time spent together. She loved the ocean and the beach, her puzzles, a glass of chardonnay and so much more. Nancy enjoyed her last few years at Orchard Grove in Shrewsbury with both old and new friends. When you see the beautiful sparkling blue ocean, please think of her and smile for a life well lived. She will be lovingly remembered and remain in many hearts forever.

Due to Covid, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St., Northborough on January 15th at 11:00 A.M. followed by a private family burial next to her husband Joseph at Howard Street Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the “Joe Mac Toolship”, a Pay-it-Forward scholarship managed by her family, a cause close to your heart or an act of kindness. (Donations may be sent to Cape Cod Technical High School, c/o Joe Mac Toolship, 351 Pleasant Lake Avenue, Harwich, MA 02645)