Margaret McNamara

1921 - 2026

Margaret McNamara

September 13, 1921 - January 22, 2026

At 104 years-old, with her family by her side, with much love in her heart and having lived a faith-filled and rich life, Margaret made her journey Home to the Lord on January 22, 2026.

Margaret was born on September 13, 1921 in New York City. Growing up there, she learned the true value of family from her parents, John and Cecilia, brothers Richard and John, and numerous aunts and uncles.

After HS graduation, Margaret completed her nursing degree, and devoted herself to this profession for over forty years.

In 1942, she married John J. O'Neil who preceded her in death on D-Day, June 6, 1944, at Omaha Beach. She met William (Bill) McNamara and they married in 1945. Together they moved west to California and then eventually to their forever home in Missoula. They were married over fifty years before his death in 1999.

Margaret was a hard working compassionate, patient, witty and loving wife, mother, grandmother, nurse and friend. In her spare time, she volunteered at St. Anthony's Grade School while raising her five children. Later in life, she belonged to the Missoula Senior Center where she loved to play bridge.

Her parents; brothers, Richard and John; her two husbands; and her son-in-law, Aron Hansen, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her five children, Maureen Hansen, Mike McNamara (Sandy), Colleen Green (Bill), Kate McNamara (Anthony Moran), and Patsy Galiher (Bill); nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; nephew, Dan Fitzgerald and niece, Sandy Muller.

A vigil and rosary will be held on Wednesday evening, January 28th at 6:00 p.m. at Garden City Funeral Home. On January 29th, Thursday, at 11:00 a.m., her funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with a reception to follow. A private burial will take place that afternoon at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Maggie would be honored if memorials in her memory were made to the Missoula Food Bank (1720 Wyoming Street, Missoula, MT. 59801) or the Humane Society of Western Montana (5930 U.S. Highway 93 South, Missoula, MT. 59804).

Garden City Funeral Home