Marie McNamara

Marie Z. McNamara, age 88, of Lancaster, died on Wednesday, October 28, 2015, at Grant Regional Health Center, Lancaster.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 31, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Reverend John Sasse officiating. Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque. Family and friends called on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Marie was born on January 22, 1927, to Anton and Rakela (Bruketa) Kruzich. She graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1944 at Mystic High School, Mystic, IA. Marie attended nursing school at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Ottumwa, IA, and then began her nursing career as a Registered Nurse. She worked for Medical Associates in Dubuque, IA, where she was Dr. Sharpe's nurse for over 20 years.

Marie married James P. Heying on April 15, 1950, at Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque, IA. Jim preceded her in death on October 3, 1972. She married Edward J. McNamara on October 6, 1976, at Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque, IA. Ed preceded her in death on December 24, 2011.

Marie was a caring person who enjoyed life, especially boating and camping on the river with Jim and the years she and Ed lived in Arizona during retirement. Marie took very good care of our father, especially in his later years and for that we are forever grateful.

Survivors include her niece, Suzanne (Jim) Roth, Ankeny, IA; a nephew, Dr. John (Luann) Maletta, Des Moines, IA; her stepchildren: Bob (Jane) McNamara, Phoenix, AZ; Noreen (Dan) Welte, Littleton, CO; Patrick (Connie) McNamara, Baraboo; John (Rose) McNamara, Lancaster; Mary (John) Pipal, Dodgeville; step grandchildren: Catherine (Nick) Cubick, Michael (Jill) McNamara, Ellen (Marcus) DeVere, Elizabeth McNamara, Brendan Pipal, Sara McNamara and Ryan McNamara; step great-grandchildren: Jack and Nora Cubick and Oliver McNamara; a brother-in-law, Frank (Beverly) McNamara, Fitchburg; lifelong good friend, Darlene Kaufmann, Dubuque, IA; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Ida Maletta; half-brother, Tom Kruzich; and half-sister, Jennie Susic.

In lieu of flowers or other items of tribute the family ask that you make a donation to a church or your favorite community charity or hospice organization. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services is serving the family.