Virginia Sandra McNamara

Virginia Sandra "Sandy" McNamara, 82, of Delaware passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, July 31, 2024, at the Cherith Care Center at Willow Brook in Delaware, following an extended illness.
She was born in Zanesville, Ohio on July 13, 1942, to the late Archibald C. and Virginia (Sutton) Gray. Sadly, her father passed when she was only 6 years old and her mother when Sandy was 17, because of those events a special unique bond was formed with her older siblings. Her siblings, Arch, Tom, Doug, and Suzie along with their spouses wrapped their arms and hearts around their youngest sister to love and care for her.
Sandy always knew she wanted to be a nurse. She attended the Riverside School of Nursing on her own. Having fond memories of sneaking under her mother's desk while she was working at Good Samaritan Hospital in Zanesville, which is most likely how she found her calling to become a nurse. Good Samaritan Hospital was founded by her grandfather, Dr. H.T. Sutton.
Sandy spent many years caring for others, as a daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, nurse, and friend. She gave to others, unconditional love, compassion, and kindness, sacrificing herself to give and care for others.
A gifted nurse, with a caring heart, over the years she worked for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children's Hospital and in the operating rooms of Grady Memorial Hospital, Ohio State University Hospital, retiring from the Arthur James Cancer Hospital.
With a devotion to God, her Catholic faith was very important to her, she was a devoted member of St. Mary Church. Volunteering for many behind-the-scenes activities, including caring for the church linens and serving on the bereavement committee.
She enjoyed her flowers and gardening, swimming at the YMCA with her friends, taking her doggy Buckeye for rides and to all the dog parks, walking at Smith and Mingo Park, and golfing. In her retirement years, she was self-taught in her golfing skills, she was quite good.
Simply put, she was a beacon of goodness. Beautiful in every way, she possessed an always positive attitude in everything and for everyone. Kind and compassionate, she was inspirational in every endeavor, always forgiving and generous beyond words.
Sandy was most proud that she single-handedly put herself through nursing school and raised her four wonderful children on her own as a single mother.
She was a role model for many on how to handle difficult times in life with grace, just as she lived her own life. One of these was how she lived her final years as one of many suffering from Alzheimer's disease, those who crossed her path during this struggle found her a kind, sweet, gentle, funny, and loving person still.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Scott D. Meyers of Columbus; Kathryn M. "Kathy" (Tim) Boger of Cardington/Delaware son, Douglas J. Meyers of Columbus, Cynthia A. Meyers of Carbondale, CO; treasured grandchildren: Jonathon A. Meyers, Alexander J. Boger, Jackson A. Boger, Mylo Ornowski. And many nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends, including dear loving and caring friend Patty Jo Webb.
She is also survived by her husband William "Bill" McNamara and his family.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved siblings: Archibald C. Gray II and his wife Velma, Thomas Gray and his wife Corkie, Suzanne Runnels and her husband Hack, Douglas Gray and his wife Josephine, as well as precious granddaughter Mackenzie Kathryn Meyers.
Sandy indeed leaves a legacy for anyone lucky enough to be touched by this wonderful soul at any point during her life, will think of her and smile.
Her family would like to thank the wonderful caring staff of Willow Brook and their Cherith Unit and their Willow Brook By Day Program for their tender loving care.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 5, 2024, from 4 - 7 pm at the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Drive at W. William Street, Delaware, where prayer services will be held at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 82 E. William Street, Delaware with Father Patrick Toner officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. The St. Mary Bereavement Ministry will then host a luncheon in the Snyder-Rodman Community Room.
Contributions in Sandy's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Alzheimer's Association, 1379 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215.
The Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center is honored to serve Sandy's family.
To share a fond memory of Sandy or to offer a condolence to her family, please visit: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com