Peggy McNamara Obituary

Feb. 12, 1931- Feb. 16, 2009

Our loving mother and wife Peggy McNamara passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2009. Born in San Francisco on Feb. 12, 1931, Peggy is survived by her husband, John McNamara of Roseville, her daughter Claudia and husband Mark Diele of Rocklin, daughter Laura and husband Mike McMillen of Newport Beach, and daughter Caren McNamara and partner David Stroud of Truckee, along with her loving grandchildren, Ryan Lewis, Corey Lewis, Austin Diele, Zachary Diele, Matthew McMillen, Stephen McMillen and Sarah McMillen.

Peggy grew up in San Francisco, graduating from St. Bigid Catholic High School in 1949, Holy Names College in 1953 and receiving a Masters from U.C. Berkeley in 1953. Peggy began her teaching career in San Francisco and then after meeting and marrying John at St Mary's in San Francisco in 1959 they started a family and eventually settled in Vacaville in 1968. With three daughters by this time, Peggy enjoyed taking care of her girls, sewing, gardening, cooking but most of all enjoyed being a mom. She went back to teaching in 1974, teaching English at Willis Jepson Junior High School and completing most of her 25 year teaching career as a French and English teacher at Vacaville High School.

Peggy's passions were many including traveling, gardening, teaching, cooking, and her family. Her love of gardening was foremost, as there was always a large vegetable garden in the back garden of all her homes. She enjoyed her time working as a Master Gardener, and her face lit up when she went to the local Farmers Markets, combing the booths for local organic produce and products. Peggy's cooking was marvelous. She was always trying new interesting recipes and sharing her "great finds" with her daughters. She also loved watching films, reading, going to the Opera and Plays, and spent the past 10 years researching and completing her Genealogy project. Peggy traveled the world with John, teaching in Germany before she was married, traveling to the UK many times to visit John's family in addition to taking many vacations touching Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and many parts of the United States.

She will be so dearly missed by her family and friends. Peggy was always teaching and we were always learning from her. Thank you Peggy! We will always remember her love of life and cherish the times spent with her.

A Mass will be held in Peggy's honor at St. Claire's Catholic Church in Roseville at 11 am on Saturday, February 28th. A reception will follow at Peggy and John's home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the California Federation of Certified Farmers Markets, PO Box 1813, Davis, Calif., 95617.

Visit the online guest book at www.thereporter.com.

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

Published by The Reporter on Feb. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Peggy McNamara

4 Entries

Stephanie Oates

March 4, 2009

I had the privilege of teaching French with Peggy for several years, and it was such a joy to work with her. I loved her sense of humor, professionalism, and willingness to help a younger and less experienced teacher. She will be missed. I pray that your fond memories will be a comfort at this difficult time. My sincerest sympathy to all of your family.

Corinne Grannen

March 1, 2009

Dear John,
Corinne and I were saddened to learn that Peggy had recently died. Of all of the people we have met here in Vacaville since our arrival in 1959, Peg was certainly one of the brightest and kindest.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your daughters.

Sincerely,
Corinne & Joe Grannen

Karen Kincaid Tumbleson

February 27, 2009

Peggy was such a sweet lady, my Jepson French teacher and neighbor down the street. I was so sorry to read about her passing, and pray that your family will be comforted by the Holy Spirit in your loss. It's a blessing to know that after this life you will see her again and that her eternal spirit lives on beyond the veil of this mortal life on earth.

Cookie Clark

February 25, 2009

I was sorry to hear about Peg. I hope she did not suffer. I am sorry that I have a commitment that precludes my being at the Memorial Service. I shall keep you in my prayers.
Peg was a great woman. I was glad that I knew her and miss both Peg and John since they move to Roseville. Fonly

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results