Submitted by: Dan Rich
Jeannette E. McNamara
South Bend Tribune 5/5/2007
MISHAWAKA - Jeannette E. McNamara, 96, of Mishawaka,
passed away Thursday evening, May 3, 2007, in Holy Cross Care
& Rehab, South Bend. Jeannette was born October 30, 1910, in
Mishawaka, a daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Bueche)
Gehl. She grew up in Mishawaka.
While working in the stenographic department at Ball Band, Jeannette met her future husband, Joseph "Mac" McNamara. They were married on October 12, 1943, in St. Joseph Catholic Church and made Mishawaka their home except for a few years living in Springfield, Ohio. Following marriage, she was a homemaker. Jeannette was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, where she belonged to their rosary society. Jeannette and Mac volunteered for the St. Vincent DePaul Society. They also enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre. At one time Jeannette belonged to a women's bridge club. She was an avid reader and was a family oriented person.
Jeannette's surviving family includes her daughter, Mary Therese Geist of Mishawaka; and her grandson, Dan Geist of Mishawaka. Jeannette was preceded in death by her husband; her son-in-law, George Geist; three sisters, Marian Kline, Catherine Kline, and Margaret Kline; and three brothers, Frank Gehl, Anthony Gehl, and Joseph Gehl.
Friends may spend time with Jeannette's family on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka, where the rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 South Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Joseph Church. Envelopes are available in the funeral home.