Margaret Rose McNamara

Margaret was born June 12, 1936 in Yuma, Arizona to Ignacio "Nacho" and Mary Higuera. She graduated from Yuma High School and attended Santa Monica City College.

She met Michael McNamara, a neighbor of her mother's sister, Ida Suits, during her time at Santa Monica and they married on June 21, 1956. They lived in the L.A. area; in Yuma, AZ; and in Santa Ana before moving to their final home in San Diego.

Margaret was happiest when surrounded by her loving family and energetic friends. When her children were young, she was active in their schools and recreational activities. She participated faithfully in her small church group and Altar Guild for years. She spent time caring for older and more infirm members of her parish by taking them food, communion, or a few minutes of her joyous wit.

She was an enthusiastic and loyal member of her bridge club and bowling league, playing with her bridge club just a few days before her passing. She was also active in her Point Loma High School retirement group's gatherings.

Margaret was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church of Ocean Beach for almost 40 years.

Margaret loved to spend time trying new restaurants, walking with friends, baking cookies, singing, going to the movie theaters, and relaxing with her grandchildren or siblings over popcorn. She also enjoyed reminiscing and bragging endlessly about her grandchildren.

Her siblings especially remember the festive family gatherings through the years where scrumptious food and laughter abounded.

Her feisty spirit, active attitude, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all of those who knew her.

Margaret's life was abundantly full to the end. Within the last few weeks of her life, she spent a lovely afternoon on Shelter Island in San Diego with a few dear friends, watching the ships come in.

Margaret died in her daughter and son-in-law's home in Indiana on Thanksgiving Day - November 28, 2013, surrounded by the faces, voices, and activity of her beloved daughter and grandchildren.

Margaret was preceded in death by her sister Eloise Wise, her parents Ygnacio "Nacho" and Mary Higuera, and her husband, Michael McNamara. She is survived by her sisters Maryann Heald, Ida Lee Valdez, and Pauline Murphy; her brothers, Hank Higuera, Patrick Higuera, John "Buddy" Higuera, and Paul Higuera; three children, Michael McNamara, Timothy McNamara, and Kathleen McNamara Adams; her grandchildren, Emily McCord, Elliot Adams, Madeline Adams, Gregory Adams, Nicholas Adams, Sarah Adams, Franky Adams, Kimberly Adams, and Anthony Adams and many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

The visitation will be Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 9 am - 10:45 am at Johnson Mortuary Chapel, 1415 S. First Avenue, Yuma, Arizona. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 505 S. Avenue B in Yuma, Arizona. Pallbearers include Patrick Higuera, Paul Higuera, David Murphy, Pauline Murphy, Timothy McNamara, Michael McNamara, and Madeline Adams. Honorary pallbearers include John Higuera, Hank Higuera, Frank Adams, Elliot Adams,Gregory Adams, Nicholas Adams, and David Evans. Her final resting place will be in the Garden of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Yuma.