Julia C. McNamara

McNamara

Julia C. McNamara

Adored wife, loving mother and doting grandmother, Julia Carol McNamara passed away February 23, 2023 at Fairfax Hospital after a short illness. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Col. Michael J. McNamara, as well as her daughter, Moira McNamara Schoen, daughter-in-law Julie K. McNamara and grandchildren Clare McNamara (Ian Garvie), Fletcher Schoen (Sally), and Patrick Schoen, and niece Lisa Olasz. She was predeceased by their son, Timothy McNamara and her son-in-law David Schoen.

Julie was born in 1937 in New Brunswick, NJ to William and Julia Reilley, the youngest of three daughters. She attended Douglas College of Rutgers University on a merit scholarship, where she met the love of her life, marrying Michael in 1956. After graduation, they embarked together on adventures around the world, raising two resilient children while living in four countries and moving 26 times for Mike's career as an Infantry officer in the Army. She was the glue that held the family together during her husband's deployments and an ace administrator and office manager in jobs from Hawaii to Virginia. After retiring to Greenspring VA, Julie and Mike enjoyed classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason, where she was the muse for his poetry writing workshop and enjoyed language classes that spurred memories of their trips together. Known for her elegance and gracious entertaining, Julie was an optimistic and warm friend, with kind words for those she met. She leaves a legacy of love and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service celebrating her accomplished life will be held at a later date.