MCNAMARA, Jacqueline (Jackie)

JACQUELINE (JACKIE) MCNAMARA 1945 – 2023 Jacqueline (Jackie) McNamara of Lethbridge AB, beloved wife of Larry McNamara, passed away suddenly on February 24th at the age of 77 years.
She was the daughter of Russell and Dorothy Swartz of Decatur, IL. She received a teaching degree from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, MN. She taught 2 years, 1st grade at Our Lady of Lord’s in Decatur, IL., she also worked in several art galleries in the States and antique shops in Lethbridge.
She loved collecting art and antiques. The walls in her house will confirm this passion. She was very competitive in Sports and won several 1st place tennis awards for 1st in both singles and doubles at Salad Dressing & Margarine Conferences. After arriving in Lethbridge, she took up curling and golf. She enjoyed learning the Canadian sport of curling and explaining it to her friends in the States. In golf she advanced to achieve a Hole in One in 1997 on hole #5 @ the LCC. In her later years she took up pickle ball.
Moving to Lethbridge she did a lot of volunteer work at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery and worked on the committee for our former Sentimental Journey Dinner Dance. She served on the Lethbridge Community Foundation Board for a number of years.
Jackie enjoyed writing. She was the Assistant Managing Editor of Lethbridge Living magazine.
In addition to her love of writing she loved her cats. She was inspired to write a book about her six toed Polydactyl cat, Sadie. Her book is called Sadie Many Toes. She dedicated it to her grandchildren. Her present cat, Jorja, spends her day looking for her Jackie! Her friends know to make her happy bring out the sweets!
The friends she made after moving up from the States made Lethbridge her Comfort Spot!
Besides her loving husband, Jackie is survived by her three daughters Kelley Messmer (Tim), Erin Favazza (Frank), Shawn Coburn. Her grandchildren are Brennan and Connor Messmer, Amanda Favazza and Hudson Coburn. Her brothers, William Swartz in Peoria, IL and Gary (Judy) Swartz in Omaha, NB.
Jackie was predeceased by her parents, Russell & Dorothy Swartz.
Family and friends are invited to meet with the family at 9:00 AM, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at ST. MARTHA’S PARISH, 355 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at ST. MARTHA’S PARISH, 355 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge.
Friends are invited to join Jackie’s family at Paradise Canyon Golf Course for a social hour remembering Jackie immediately following mass.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Southern Alberta Art Gallery or Community Foundation both located in Lethbridge.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.