Margaret McNamara

Margaret “Maggie” McNamara

At 104 years-old, with her family by her side, with much love in her heart and having lived a faith-filled and rich life, Maggie made her journey Home to the Lord on January 22, 2026.

Maggie was born on September 13, 1921, in New York City to John and Cecilia Fitzgerald. Growing up she learned the true value of family from her parents, brothers Richard and John, and numerous aunts and uncles.

After high school graduation, Maggie enrolled in and completed her nursing degree. She devoted her life to this profession for over forty years.

In 1942, she married John J. O’Neil. He preceded her in death on D-Day, June 6, 1944, at Omaha Beach. She later met William (Bill) McNamara and they married in 1945. Together they moved west to California and then eventually to their forever home in Missoula. They were married for over fifty years before his death in 1999.

Maggie was a hard–working, compassionate, patient, witty and loving wife, mother, grandmother, nurse and friend. In her spare time, she volunteered at St. Anthony’s Grade School while raising her five children. Later in life, she belonged to the Missoula Senior Center where she loved to play bridge.

Following the passing of her husband Bill, Maggie traveled to Normandy, France to visit the American cemetery in Coleville sur Mer. She was escorted to John O’Neil’s grave where she was presented with American and French flags and Taps was played. After a moment of silence, Maggie spoke quietly saying, “Thank you, I have waited fifty-six years to say goodbye to him.” This first visit would leave an impressionable mark on Maggie, leading her to Normandy four more times throughout her life. She was deeply moved to witness first-hand the love, respect, and gratitude the French people have for the American men and women who gave their lives to liberate France and Europe during World War II. On these trips she was often reminded that they were true to their word – they have not forgotten her John.

Her parents, brothers Richard and John, her two husbands and her son-in-law, Aron Hansen, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her five children, Maureen Hansen, Mike McNamara (Sandy), Colleen Green (Bill), Kate McNamara (Anthony Moran) and Patsy Galiher (Bill), nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and nephew Dan Fitzgerald and niece Sandy Muller.

A vigil and rosary will be held on Wednesday, January 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Garden City Funeral Home. On Thursday, January 29, at 11:00 am her funeral Mass will be held at St Anthony's Catholic Church, with a reception to follow. A private burial will take place that afternoon at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Maggie would be honored if memorials in her memory were made to the Missoula Food Bank (1720 Wyoming Street, Missoula, MT. 59801) or the Humane Society of Western Montana (5930 U.S. Highway 93 South, Missoula, MT. 59804).