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Carolee McNamara Obituary
Carolee was born in Springville, NY, to Moore B. and Harriet (Spencer) Washburn. She earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY Potsdam and a master's degree from the University of Rhode Island. During the 1970's she was a teacher with the Childbirth Education Association of Rhode Island. She taught mathematics in North Syracuse, NY, at Providence Hebrew Day School, Rhode Island College, Roger Williams College and since 1980 at LaSalle Academy.
Carolee was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in June 2002. She bravely continued to teach at LaSalle until her retirement in January 2004. Even after retirement she remained active as a tutor and frequent visitor in her husband's classes at the school. In June 2006, she received the Brian Dickenson Courage Award, bestowed by the ALS Association, Rhode Island Chapter.
For the last several years Carolee was a convert to baseball and was an ardent Red Sox fan. She especially admired Curt Schilling for his ongoing support of patients with ALS.
Besides her husband she is survived by her five dear children: Christopher and wife Bridget (and daughter, Maeve), Megan, Kathryn and fiance Olase, Brian and wife Michelle, and Erin. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Carolee was the sister of the late Betty Rupp, Margaret McLelland, and Liol Washburn.
Her funeral will be held Tuesday at 9 a.m. from the A.A. MARIANI & SON Funeral Home, 200 Hawkins St., Providence with a mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Sebastian Church, 57 Cole Avenue, Providence. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. Visiting hours will be Monday 2-4, 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to LaSalle Academy, 612 Academy Avenue, Providence, RI 02908 or Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 169 George St., Pawtucket, RI 02860.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carolee McNamara
Bagaglia family
September 2, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to Mr Mac and your family. Our sons were fortunate to know Mrs Mac at LaSalle and also at AlS events as we walked for our brother in law.
You are remarkable people who have left "handprints" on many hearts. God Bless you and may memories comfort you. The Bagaglia family
Andrew (2002)LSA and Erik (2006)LSA
August 31, 2007
To the McNamara Family,
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Mrs. McNamara. She was a wonderful lady and a brilliant teacher. My condolences go out to your family. May god bless.
Tricia Mallozzi
LSA Class of 2000
Jessica (Pitassi) Zanni '97
August 31, 2007
To the McNamara Family –
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane A. Oliveira Class of 1991
August 31, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Sharon Simmons
August 30, 2007
Dear Mike and Family,
It was an honor to have Carolee as a friend since our childhood. I will miss her smile. She has left us with many fond memories and will live in our hearts until we are united once again.
August 30, 2007
Dear Mr. McNamara,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Piette
Suzanne walker
August 30, 2007
To the McNamara Family: i was so very saddened to hear of the loss of Carolee. I worked at LaSalle Academy in the late 80's and Carolee was a terrific math teacher and exceptional person. I had Christopher as a student when he was a sophomore in algebra 2 honors and Carolee was always so dedicated as a teacher and parent. my sincerest condolances, suzanne ross walker
George Kilsey
August 29, 2007
My sincere condolences to the McNamara family on your difficult loss. I know her through the lunch program when she would often stop by the cafe with a bright and cherry attitude. May she rest in peace.
Michael McNamara
August 29, 2007
To all who look here and leave a message in comfort or praise, I offer my deep thanks. Your support is palpable as I and my family try now to lead lives without Carolee's physical presence. Peace!
Mary Ann Blais
August 29, 2007
We are so saddened to learn about Carolee's passing. We met Carolee with our son Jonathan who passed away May 27,2007 from this dreadful disease. Our thought are with you and we shall mention Carolee at Jon's celebration of life on August 31st.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann and Bob Blais
Regina Bertoldi '01
August 29, 2007
To the McNamara Family,
My thoughts are with you during this time. I will always remember Mrs. McNamara has someone who was consistently warm and kind. During my time as her student at LSA it was always evident how much she loved teaching and how much her students meant to her and that will always stay with me.
Maria Jablonski
August 28, 2007
I was so saddened to hear about Mrs. McNamara's passing. She has left behind a wonderful legacy in her family and in the many students whose lives she touched. My thoughts and prayers are with the McNamara family at this most difficult time. God Bless.
Maria Florio Jablonski
LSA 1991
Colleen Penkala '06
August 28, 2007
To the McNamara family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs. Mac was such an inspiration to me and she will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Harold & Sharon Spencer
August 28, 2007
May our Lord enfold Carloee for eternity, and bless her Family for their loving care for so many years.
God Bless Mike and each of her family members.
With love and our most sincere Respect,
Harold & Sharon Spencer
Heather Dailey
August 28, 2007
Dear Mr. McNamara,
I am very sorry to hear of Mrs. McNamara's passing. As a former student, and current math teacher, I think of her every time I ask my own students to take out their "handy dandy calculators." I'm sure she will live on in the memories of the countless students whose lives she has helped to shape.
With deepest sympathies,
Heather (Mitchell) Dailey, LSA '94
Mark Pirri
August 28, 2007
To the McNamara Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Godbless.
James P. Howe LSA '74
August 28, 2007
To the McNamara family, Please accept my deepest condolences at this most difficult time. May the teachings learned at LaSalle offer you solace, God Bless you.
Neil Stamps
August 28, 2007
Dear Mike and Family,
It's been several years but I certainly know what a truly special person Carolee was. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
God Bless.
Erin Socha
August 28, 2007
To the McNamara Family: I was blessed to have your wife & mother in my life for all four years at LaSalle, not only as a teacher but as a friend. Both inside the classroom and by the pool deck, she cheered on every LaSalle student and made us all want to succeed. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Spine Dept. at UOI
August 28, 2007
Dear Mr. McNamara and Family:
We were all saddened to hear about you loss. Carol was a wonderful person and very pleasant to everyone in our office. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Deepest Sympathy,
Mark Palumbo MD, Sue, Lori, Lisa, Phillip Lucas MD, Marianne and Stephen Propatier, NP
Evan Mitchell
August 28, 2007
Mr. McNamara and family,
I am deeply sorry to hear of Mrs. McNamara's passing. I am very glad to have had the great privilege of having her as a teacher, even though our time together was brief. My heart goes out to the McNamara family, and all those suffering from ALS
Shelley Parness
August 27, 2007
Dear Mike and Family,
Larry and I were most saddened to hear of Carolee's passing. We had such wonderful memories of being your neighbors across the street so many years ago. We have many photos of your children and our son, playing together. I remember sharing such good times together, and the St Pat's parties were always filled with laughter and great guitar music. The photo in the paper was truly lovely and epitomized the bright smile Carolee shined in everyone's direction. Please accept our most heartfelt condolances, and know that she made a difference in countless people's lives, even if it has been awhile since you have heard from some of us!
Most sincerely,
Shelley and Larry Parness
Tara
August 27, 2007
I only had Mrs. McNamara as a freshman for study period. Recently I would see her at the hair salon we both went to on the East Side. It was obvious she was ill but I was reluctant to introduce myself because I didn't want to make her or her husband feel uncomfortable. I am now regretting that I didn't. Even though she did not know me academically, that small gesture may have brought a smile to her face.
Mary Margaret Lozeau
August 27, 2007
To the McNamara Clan.......
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gret and Gerry Lozeau
jack m
August 27, 2007
To the Mcnamara family. I'm so sorry about the loss of your family member. I will always be thankful for what was taught to me by mr. and mrs. Jack '85
Paul Letourneau
August 27, 2007
To the McNamara family,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Mrs McNamara.
Paul J Letourneau, Jr
LaSalle Academy
Class of 1991
CLASS OF 87
August 27, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ashley Smith
August 27, 2007
To Mr. McNamara and all of the McNamara's friends and family: My dearest wishes go out to you. Good bless you all and stay strong Mr. McNamara. Rest in peace Mrs. McNamara.
Grace Caballero
August 27, 2007
Mr. McNamara and Family..
I am sorry for your loss.
Grace Caballero
LaSalle 88'
Jessica Allen
August 27, 2007
To the McNamara Family, especially Mr. McNamara:
I am very sorry to hear about Mrs. McNamara's passing, but she was incredible and many people saw that. I loved having her in the classroom. She never cease to amaze me when she came in the room with a big smile on her face no matter what. I give you all of my condolences and may God bless Mrs. McNamera and all of her loved ones.
Sincerely,
Allison (Supsky) Jimenez
August 26, 2007
I am so sad to hear or Carolee's passing. She showed everyone what TRUE courage was, while her husband displayed unconditional love and devotion. Thank you for the examples you set within LaSalle's walls. My prayers are with the McNamara family.
Dan Carpenter '88
August 26, 2007
Heaven has a new "algebra angel" We'll miss you Mrs. Mac!
Pamela Fontaine
August 26, 2007
To all of the McNamara Family:
I was so sorry to hear of Carolee's death. All who knew her will miss her, but will remember her gentle voice, caring heart and lovely smile. She made a DIFFERENCE in many persons' lives.
Peter S.
August 26, 2007
Dear Mike:
If only every marriage could contain even half the love you and Carolee shared, the world would be a much better place. God bless Carolee, you and all of your family.
Chelsea Miller
August 26, 2007
Dear Mr. McNamara,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I always enjoyed Mrs. McNamara's presence in our classroom. She was a true example of courage and strength. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Miller
Irene Anderson
August 26, 2007
Dear Mike and family,
It is with great sadness that I write to you on Carolee's passing. You were all so very brave through it all, Carolee being the bravest. You showed everyone the power of love. You were an inspiration through it all. I know you all must be very sad at her passing, and she will be missed by many many people. God bless you all. I wish I could be there. God bless.
Karen Leach
August 26, 2007
To the McNamara Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Having lost a family member to ALS, we understand what you are going through.God Bless.
Scott, Karen, Brian and Alex Leach
Sandra Actis
August 26, 2007
Dear Chris and family, So sorry for the loss of your mother. She is not resting in the arms of the Lord. Know that all of you are in my prayers. Love and Prayers, Sandra (Paci) Actis
KAREN REBELLO
August 26, 2007
TO THE MCNAMARA FAMILY
MY HEART AND SYMPATHY GO OUT TO ALL OF YOU. WE ALL KNOW WHAT A HORRIBLE ILLNESS THIS IS. OUR ONLY CONSOLATION IS THAT JIM AND CAROLEE ARE NO LONGER SUFFERING AND ARE IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE.
IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO LET GO ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH CARE TO OUR LOVED ONE. THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS WILL BE THE TOUGHEST YOU HAVE EVER FACED, BUT THINK OF ALL THE GOOD TIMES I AM SURE YOU HAVE SHARED ALONG THE WAY AS HUSBAND & WIFE AND FAMILY.
MICHAEL,
I AM SORRY I CANNOT ATTEND CAROLEE'S SERVICES, BUT IT IS ALL TOO FRESH FOR ME.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Mary-Ellen McKee-McNamara
August 26, 2007
Mike, Chris, Megan, Katie, Brian, Erin - my heart goes out to you. May your memories fill your days with peace and Carolee's spirit of courage live on in all of you. You are her greatest gift. All my love, Mary-Ellen
Larissa and Doug Flower
August 26, 2007
To Chris, Bridget, and the McNamara family-we are so sorry for your loss and we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
John Ayres
August 26, 2007
Mike,
My deepest sympathy on Carolee's passing ... she was the epitome of patience and understanding. God bless you and the children. My prayers are with you all. John
Rita L. Clasby
August 26, 2007
To Chris and all your family - our deepest sympathy in the passing of your mom - please know we love you and will keep you and your family as well as your mom in our prayers. with love, Aunt Rita and Uncle Frank Clasby
August 26, 2007
Rest in Peace Mrs. McNamara! You were an inspiration to all of us. You and your husband showed all of us what it meant to truly love one another, and we will always remember you! God bless!
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