Obituary of Marion E. McNamara

     Mrs. Marion E. McNamara, 91, a resident of the St. Luke’s Home in New Hartford, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the nursing home with her loving family by her side.

     Marion was born in Watertown, NY, on July 10, 1931, the daughter of Arthur and Ethel (Sibley) Adams. She was raised and educated in Watertown, was a graduate of Watertown High School and earned her nursing degree in 1955 from Creedmoor State Hospital School of Nursing in NY City. At one time, Marion was married to Joseph Porreca, Jr. and later to John J. McNamara, Jr., until his death in 2000. She was employed for many years as a registered nurse for various organization, most notably a hospice care facility on Delaware. If you knew Marion, you know she told great jokes. Jokes that made some blush, some a little shocked, but general made you laugh. She enjoyed playing bingo and made strong friendships in Delaware (Senior Center) bingo hall, and bingo every Tuesday night at American Legion Utica post 229 in N. Utica. Marion also loved gambling at Vernon Downs at the end of the month. Her tip was, if you go at the end of the month, the machines pay out more, and she was a winner every time.

     There are so many people to thank for making her life full of love and enjoyment. Her friends in Delaware and her friend Kathy whom she gambled with for years. Thank you, Kathy H. who took such wonderful care of Marion, above and beyond while she was living in Schuyler Commons and continued even after she moved to the St. Luke’s Home. All the friendships she made while living in Schuyler Commons as well as the girls at the Hair Connection who enjoyed her jokes, did her hair and made her look beautiful. The Teams at MVHS were a tremendous gift to Marion, including, the Clark North Rehab Unit, The Rehabilitation (OT, PT) Department, the Clark West nurses, (Justine, Mary, Aaron and Evan), the CNA’s, the Recreation Department, Betsy (social worker), Vicki who did her hair and made sure that she looked great when she was going out, the Housekeeping Department, the Dietary Department and the Maintenance Department. Marion truly treasured the friendships she shared with the residents and so appreciated their fun times together. Most of all, Marion was very proud of her two cherished granddaughters, Lyndsay and Allison for always being there with love and support as well as your many visits over the past couple of years!

     Mrs. McNamara is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Laurie Porecca and Michael Sidoran of New Hartford; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Terry Porreca, III of New Hampshire and two cherished granddaughters, Lyndsay Porreca and Allison Porreca. She was predeceased by her Missy, her canine companion of 16 years.

     Visitation for family and friends is Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation. She will be laid to rest with her husband, John in All Saints Cemetery in Delaware. Those wishing to make a donation in Marion’s memory, please consider the American Parkinson Disease Association, PO Box 61420 Staten Island, NY 10306 or at apda@apdaparkinson.org.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.