Doreen J. McNamara

Doreen (Wilmarth) McNamara, beloved wife of the late Lawrence McNamara, passed away at 98 after living a life defined by her deep devotion to her family and unwavering selflessness.

Doreen’s calling as a caregiver began when she was very young, helping to raise her five siblings. After marrying Larry, she devoted herself to their six children. Even with a full house, her heart remained open and she started a daycare, often for single mothers.

In her 40s, Doreen realized a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. She spent her entire career as a nurse at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, where she provided compassionate care to those in their final stages of life.

For Doreen, family was her wealth. She took immense pride in saying she had 12 children, counting her sons and daughters-in-law as her own. As a grandmother of 15 and great-grandmother of 17, she made it a point to truly know each one, celebrating every milestone and achievement.

Doreen’s "Wall of Fame" was her pride and joy, displaying photos of the multiple family members who served in the Armed Forces. As Doreen and Larry modeled service to others, they took great pride in our 2 dozen military members, our 2 dozen police/federal law enforcement/corrections officers, as well as those in firefighting, nursing, special needs advocacy, and more.

A woman of deep faith and diverse interests, Doreen was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a member of the Boston Police Emerald Society and an active parishioner at St John Chrysostom and at St. Theresa’s, where she lent her voice to the choir. She loved the simple pleasures: vacationing on Cape Cod and in Maine, traveling to Ireland/Hawaii/Germany/Austria, playing the piano, crocheting, doing crosswords, singing and dancing.

Doreen is reunited in peace with her husband, Lawrence; her parents, Raymond and Bernice; her siblings Pat, Phil, and Kenny; her many in-laws, and her niece and nephews Garrett, John, Charlie and Mary.

She is survived by her siblings Jean and Richard (Loretta) and her sister-in-law, Mary Jane. Her legacy continues through her children: Kevin (Karen) Silverdale WA, Michael (Patricia) Abington MA (Jane, Sandwich MA), Robert (Marie) Abington MA, Eilene (Doug) Hawthorne Plymouth MA, Laurie (Mark) Swanke West Ossipee NH, and Kathleen (John) Landers Hyde Park, MA, as well as her 15 adoring grandchildren, their spouses, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Doreen’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday March 6, 2026 at St John Chrysostom at 4750 Washington St., West Roxbury, MA. http://www.stjohnchrysostom02132.org/ 

Visiting Hours will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday March 5, 2026 at the Kfoury Keefe Funeral Home at 8 Spring St. (at the corner of Centre St.) West Roxbury, MA. 

Doreen will be laid to rest aside Larry at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Buzzards Bay MA. https://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/nchp/massachusetts.asp 

In lieu of flowers contributions in Doreen’s memory may be made to St John Chrysostom Church in West Roxbury. https://secure.myvanco.com/YJEE/home