Margaret Ellen McNamara's Obituary
Margaret Ellen McNamara, our beloved daughter, age 55, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, December 16, 2013. She was healthy, vibrant, energetic and full of life, and to say that she will be missed, doesn’t begin to describe our pain.
Maggie, as she liked to be called, was the light of the life of so many; so many ways to describe her, brilliant, accomplished, independent, funny, always on the side of the underdog, an encourager, a rescuer of people and animals, a lawyer, a scholar, and especially a caring daughter, friend, sister and aunt. She was a B. A. graduate of Catholic University, a law school graduate of American University, an MBA graduate from the University of Florida, a member of the Bar in both Virginia and Maryland.
Maggie’s life took on new purpose when she came to Gainesville 3 years ago to be the caregiver for her sister, niece and mother. She had always wanted to be a mother, and blossomed in the role of surrogate mother to her niece, Audrey, and she found new loves in all things domestic, and enjoyed supporting her niece’s love of volleyball, becoming a skilled scorekeeper and avid team supporter of the St. Francis Academy Wolves, as they rose to district championship this year.
Maggie is survived by her adored niece, Audrey; her mother, Rosemarie; sisters, Kate, Lianne, Lisa and Pam; brothers, Ted, Scott, David and Sean; her father, Robert McNamara, stepfathers, James Patterson and Leo “Pop” Newton and a host of friends; and so many, many memories.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at 11:30 A. M., in the Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 10900 SW 24thAvenue, Gainesville. Arrangements are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a Pet rescue shelter of your choice in Maggie’s memory.
What’s your fondest memory of Margaret?
What’s a lesson you learned from Margaret?
Share a story where Margaret's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Margaret you’ll never forget.
How did Margaret make you smile?

