Maria McNamara

Maria (D'Andrea) McNamara, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury passed away peacefully surrounded by the family she loved so much Saturday, June 14th 2014. She was 82 years of age. Maria was born in Worcester, one of three children of Joseph and Corinne (Festa) D'Andrea. She graduated from Commerce High School class of 1950 where she played field hockey, was a member of the History Club and Italian Club. In 1954, she married John F. McNamara and together moved to Shrewsbury, where they enjoyed 54 happily married years before John passed away just over six years ago. Maria is survived by her devoted family; Her five children, Kevin McNamara of Worcester, Brian McNamara and his wife Lisa of Sandwich, Timothy McNamara of Uxbridge, John F. McNamara Jr. and his girlfriend Tina of Stuart, Florida, Maureen A. Wilczynski and her husband Scott of Shrewsbury; a brother, Thomas J. D'Andrea of Orlando, Florida and a sister Dorothy R. Paciello of Margate, Florida; nine grandchildren; a great grandson; many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Maria worked as a bookkeeper for Norton Company in Worcester, before accepting a position with AC Bowler Electric where she worked many years before retiring. Maria was a member of St. Mary's Church. She loved ballroom dancing, playing the accordion, painting, and arts and crafts. Maria's life was all about her love for her family. She also enjoyed volunteering for parent PTO and was classroom volunteer for Shrewsbury Schools when her children were school age. The holidays, family dinners and special occasions, when her family was around her were Maria's most cherished moments. She always put her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchild ahead of herself in her life. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Tuesday, June 17th from 5 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, MA. Maria's funeral will be held Wednesday, June 18th from the funeral home, with a Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 am in St Mary's Church, 640 Main St Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in St John's Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Salmon Hospice, 37 Birch St. Milford Mass 01757. The McNamara family would like to thank Dr. Sheila Trugman, the Salmon Hospice team and the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center at Worcester, for the care, comfort and compassion they gave to our Mom during a difficult time.