Oralee Rae McNamara

Our dear mother, Oralee Rae McNamara, passed away on November 5, 2024, at the age of 98. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love. Born the 3rd child of 7 on April 25, 1926 in Hastings, Minnesota to Russell and Mabel Keene. After graduating high school in 1944, she moved to Washington DC along with many of her girlfriends to work for the defense department’s war effort. Oralee married her high school sweetheart, Jim McNamara, in 1947. Since he was in the Army the next 24 years, they and their four children moved and settled in many different cities and countries where he was stationed. Our Mother would make an adventure out of every move and provided us with a warm and loving home. Full of joy, laughter, and love, she touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be remembered for making everyone smile.

Oralee cherished every moment spend with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a loving wife to Jim, mother to Carol, Dianne, Jim, Janeen, and Cindy. She was also a grandmother to Crista, Stacy, Matthew, Rusty, Todd, Amanda, Kelsey and Evan and a very proud great grandmother to 13 beautiful children. Until Jim’s passing in 2012, Oralee and Jim traveled the globe, looking for adventures, as well as visiting all the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Oralee had an incredible life. She brought joy and light into our lives with her kind heart and radiant smile. She will be truly missed.

Oralee and the family ask that donations be made to All Saints Anglican Church, 18082 Bushard St., Fountain Valley, CA, 92708 in memory of Oralee McNamara