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Glenna McNamara Obituary

Glenna Gail McNamara passed away peacefully on November 20, 2019, at her daughter’s home in Olympia, Washington, after a brief struggle with pancreatic cancer. Gail was born on October 18, 1942, in Powell River, BC, Canada. She moved to Vancouver, BC after high school to study nursing and then settled in Bellingham, Washington in 1964 after completing her R.N. degree and marrying Bill McNamara. Gail worked in Bellingham as a public health nurse for many years. Gail is survived by her son Greg (Rose) McNamara of Everett, and daughter Andrea McNamara (Jeff) Doyle; her grandchildren Molly, Andrew, Margaret, Caroline, Samantha, Keegan, and Addie; and her great grandson Otto. Gail loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She also found fulfillment in caring for many foster children, including Samantha, Sonia, and Samara, who she took great pleasure in helping transition to their forever families. Gail was preceded in death by her father Glen Hicks and her mother Gertrude “Mollie” (Hoof) Hicks. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Foster Parents Association of Washington (FPAWS.org). To see a more detailed remembrance and share your own memories, please go to WoodLawn-FuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald on Nov. 27, 2019.

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3 Entries

Susan Wright

September 7, 2024

So sorry to hear about your mom passing on. I remember her being a comforting and kind woman. Whenever Sabrena and I would come over, she was always interested in what we were doing and always ready with a snack for us. She encouraged us to use our creativity and there were always books around for us to look at and read. Amanda, we always loved coming over to your house to play because your mom made it a really welcoming place - she was so cool. Our thoughts are with you.

Katheryn Peters

December 10, 2019

To Gail's family. It is very sad to read that Gail has passed away. I attended Christ the Servant Lutheran church with her and was Samatha's social worker when she lived with Gail. Gail was the most loving, kind and caring foster parent. She gave her all to the children in her home and this was appreciated. The world has lost a great person.

Amy Cloud

December 1, 2019

Greg and Andrea, I am so sorry to read of your mom's passing! I remember her fondly from the years my dad ran the print shop at WWU and then later, as she was fostering and I would see her at the pool where our kids were learning to swim. My mom really appreciated Gail; she was smart, kind, a great soul. I am lifting you, and all who mourn your mom, in prayer for peace and comfort.

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