Janice C. McNamara

Janice C. McNamara, 85, of St. Joseph, formerly of Sunfield, MI, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, with her family by her side. Janice was born on November 4, 1935, to William and Lillian (Young) Ruh in Detroit. She graduated from Dearborn High School and went on to earn her degree in nursing. Professionally, Janice served as a Registered Nurse for forty years. On October 22, 1960, she married Harold Paul McNamara. She was a selfless, faithful woman, and her convictions led her to service with Meals on Wheels, Hospice at Home, Birthright, the St. Vincent dePaul Society, soup kitchens, and Lakeland Hospital. She sponsored education for children in Costa Rica and Guatemala, and traveled through Central America, Europe, and the Holy Land on religious missions. Janice was a devoted member at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and previously St. Edward Catholic Church in Lake Odessa, MI. Janice is survived by her daughters, Margaret (Joseph) Dolezal and Jean (James) Carow; daughter-in-law, Andria McNamara; nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Jo Ann (Bud) Cashwell, Karen (Bob) Suhr, sister-in-law Carol LaSorsa, many nieces and nephews and special friend, Delores Pepperil. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lillian Ruh; husband, Harold Paul McNamara; son, Peter McNamara and brother William Ruh. The Rosary will be recited at 11 am on Friday, June 11, 2021, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Visitation will follow the Rosary from 11:30 am until 1 pm. At 1 pm family and friends will process to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph, for Mass of Christian burial at 1:30 pm. Burial will take place at 1 pm on Saturday, June 12, in Sunfield Cemetery, Sunfield, MI. In lieu of flowers, family and friends may request a memorial mass in Janice's name, a gesture she often made for others. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.