Mrs. Mary McNamara

Born Mary Richardhagen

Her parents both immigrated from Europe. Her father was born in Prussia in 1878 and worked his way to America as a barber on a ship. After a brief stay he worked his way back again by ship to bring back the women he would marry who was born in Germany in 1884. They both worked their way back to the U.S. where they settled in Alabama in about 1905. Her father earned his citizenship in 1953 and died in 1954. They rode horses from New York to Alabama together to live. Her name was Richardhage, born in Springville, Alabama, where she grew up with two brothers and three sisters, now all deceased. She has three surviving relatives: Jim Richardhagen, Robin Richardhagen, and Mary Ann all in Alabama.

After graduating high school, she lived and worked in Alabama and then in Florida for a short time. She moved to Burbank, CA in 1951, where she met Everett McNamara, originally from North Dakota. And after four years in the Pacific in the Navy unit when later called the Seals, who had also moved out here to work in aerospace industry. It was love at first site, and they spent the next 45 years together as a very devoted couple to each other.

She is also survived by her husband, Everett. Mary also worked in aerospace in accounting. Mary was also positive and good to everyone she knew. She was a kind person who always took care of friends and family before herself. We all will miss her very much.

Gates Kingsley Gates Praiswater Mortuary in Canoga Park is in Charge of Arrangements