Grace McNamara

Mar 13, 2015

Erin Prairie, Wisconsin

Grace (nee Padden) McNamara, age 92, of New Richmond, Wisconsin, died peacefully, surrounded by love, on Friday, March 13, at the St. Croix Health Center. She was born on August 31, 1922, in Emerald, Wisconsin, to James and Bridget (Riley) Padden. On June 15, 1948, she married Frank McNamara; they were married for 64 years and lived on the farm where Frank was born for all their years together. Grace worked at the Grinelle Tea Room while still in high school. After graduation she worked as a clerk at the J.C. Penney store in New Richmond from 1941-1948. After marriage she was kept busy with seven girls and spent her time in the many homemaking activities necessary with a large family. She made natural cleaning products long before it was a trend to do so, and kept an impeccably clean house. Also ahead of her time was Grace’s practice of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; she would mend, darn, and repurpose items in the most thrifty of ways. She was an Altar Guild volunteer at St. Bridget’s Parish and remained active in the church until its closing in 2002. She also volunteered with activities at the St. Croix Health Center and was a worker at the polls for many years. Admired for her feisty Irish spirit, good humor, and strong Catholic faith, she remained curious and interested in others, with her keen mind and impressive memory, throughout her life. Visitors were warmly welcomed, often with tea and homemade baked goods, and there was always insight gained from Grace’s strong sense of connection to local families and local lore and history. Known as a good friend, neighbor, and special “grandma” to many children, she will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, James, Thomas, Richard, Edward, and Patrick, three sisters, Mary, Catherine, and Margaret, and her husband, Frank, and daughter, Frances Cohler. Grace is survived by daughters, Maureen McNamara, Susan McNamara, Ann McNamara, Barbara (Dave) Grevich, Patricia McNamara, and Eileen (Fred) Bezat; seven grandchildren, four great-grandsons, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. VISITATION will be held from 4-8 P.M. Thursday, March 19, at the CULLEN CREA FUNERAL HOME, New Richmond, with a prayer service at 7:30 P.M., and also one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. Friday, March 20, at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Erin Prairie. Interment will be at St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Stanton Township. The family would like to extend our deep gratitude and appreciation for the loving and compassionate care Grace received, especially from Dr. Stephen Harrold, special care givers from Adoray Home Care, Teresa and Nancy, and the entire staff at Westfields Hospital and the St. Croix Health Center. As our mother faced the challenges of aging, these people eased the burden and their kindnesses will never be forgotten. Cullen Crea Funeral Home, New Richmond, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Five Loaves Food Shelf, Grace Place Shelter, or the St. Croix Health Center Activities Department.