Shrewsbury – Maria (D’Andrea) McNamara, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the family she loved so much, Saturday, June 14, 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 and was a member of the History Club and Italian Club. In 1954, she married John F. McNamara, and together they 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, and Maureen A. Wilczynski and her husband Scott of Shrewsbury; a brother, Thomas J. D’Andrea of Orlando, Florida; a sister, Dorothy R. Paciello of Margate, Florida; nine grandchildren; a great-grandson; and 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.
She 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 17, from 5 – 8 p.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Maria's funeral will be held Wednesday, June 18 from the funeral home, with a Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in St John's Cemetery of Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Salmon Hospice, 37 Birch St., Milford, MA 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.
