Muriel F. McNamara

Muriel F. McNamara, "Gram" to those fortunate enough to know and love her, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2019. She died at home in Plymouth, N.H., in the loving care of family and friends. She suffered a stroke last week, three months after celebrating her 100th birthday in good health and cheerful spirits. A true lady, known for her grace and smile, she was passionate about her family, crossword puzzles and loved all things French. Muriel was a wonderful soul who touched many lives. Those who had the pleasure of joining her in her favorite card game, SkipBo, can attest that she had a trick or two up her sleeve! Muriel was born "Marielle" in Woonsocket, R.I. on December 5, 1918, to Aime Lefebvre and Maria DeCarie, immigrants from Montreal, Canada. The second of four children, she attended the Gray Nuns' Catholic Nursing School in Berlin, N.H., where her aunt was an instructor. She entered the Navy and met the love of her life, Robert E. McNamara, while serving at St. Albans Naval Hospital in Long Island, N.Y. Bob, a Marine admitted to the hospital after serving in the South Pacific, was Muriel's patient and she outranked him! Bob and Muriel married in February 1945, raising four children in Brooklyn, N.Y. and Closter N.J., before relocating to Southern California in 1956. She thrived on the West Coast, overseeing the newborn nursery at South Coast Hospital in Laguna Beach. After retiring, in 1990 the couple relocated to Plymouth, where Muriel volunteered at Plymouth's Senior Center, working in the gift store and welcoming guests with her open spirit and warm smile. A devout Catholic, she attended mass regularly until recent years. For the past 30 Christmases, she volunteered with her family at the St. Francis Inn, a soup kitchen in Philadelphia. A talented crafter and crocheter, she created many meticulously detailed quilts, afghans, and hand-hooked rugs for family and friends. Muriel is survived by her children, Catherine Bentwood R.N., and her husband, Dr. John Bentwood; John McNamara; Eileen McDermott; and Michael McNamara. Additionally, her 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, three nieces, and one nephew will remember her fondly for years to come. She was predeceased by her husband, Bob, in 1991 and son-in-law Jimmy McDermott in 2017. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 2nd at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Matthews Church, School St., Plymouth. The Rev. Leo LeBlanc, pastor, will be the celebrant. Interment ceremony at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH. at 2:30 p.m. Donations may be made in Muriel's name to the Plymouth Regional Senior Center , an organization that provided her with a sense of purpose and belonging for the last twenty years. Checks should be written to Plymouth Regional Senior Center, mailed to PO Box 478, Plymouth, NH 03264, and Muriel's name noted in the memo.

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Muriel F. McNamara

December 5, 1918 - March 31, 2019