Obituaries

Catherine “Katie” (Kern) McNamara, age 77, of Thompson and formerly of Taylor, passed away Thursday at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, after an illness. She is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas “Skipper” McNamara. Wed on July 31, 1965, the couple were married for 56 years.
Born in Macungie and raised in East Texas Village, Katie was born on November 10, 1944, and was the daughter of the late Florence and Willard Kern. After becoming married and briefly living in Maryland and Washington DC, she settled in Moosic then Taylor where she would raise her family. For years she had worked for the Lackawanna County Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs until her retirement and subsequent move to Thompson.
Katie adored animals, especially her pups, having raised countless Labrador Retrievers throughout the years. Her infectious smile, amazing sense of humor and quick wit are memorable. She was kind, generous and never passed up a good opportunity to shop. Above all else came her family. She was a loyal wife, loving and proud mother and adoring grandma who will never be forgotten.
She is also survived by her sons, Shawn McNamara and wife Michele and Shane McNamara, all of Moosic; her granddaughter who loved her “Nanna Kate”, Nora Kate McNamara; her sisters, Nancy Heydt, Joan Leer and Fern Fritz and husband Robert, all of Lehigh Valley; her former daughter-in-law, Erin McNamara of Scranton; her sister-in-law, Sharon Stanvitch of Scranton; and many nieces and nephews.
One of 13 siblings, she was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters.
Her family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. James Sheerer for his longtime caregiving; the entire staff of Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital for their kindness in her final days; and to longtime family friend, Bishop John Dougherty, for his spiritual guidance.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Thursday at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street in Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, Pastor. Family and frienmds may pay their respects at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until Mass.
Those attending the services are asked to go directly to church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Katie’s name to True Friends Animal Welfare Center Fund at The Community Foundation 270 Lake Avenue in Montrose, PA 18801.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.