Kathleen McNamara

The world is celebrating an extraordinary woman today. "Tassie" (Kathleen) McMahon McNamara, 87, of Duluth passed away August 28, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Frank and Blanche McMahon in Brookston, MN on September 11, 1927. Tassie graduated from Cathedral High School and the College of St. Scholastica with a degree in Nursing in 1948. She married "the love of her life," Joe McNamara on April 22, 1950 and for 64 years they lived a rich life committed to their Catholic faith and five children and grandchildren. Tassie and Joe traveled the globe to visit their children and participate in their fruitful lives, living life to its fullest.
Tassie surrounded herself with loyal friends and extended family that transcended the generations. She shared what she loved most with all, her commitment to living a spiritual life and service to others. She treasured deep spiritual conversation and was available to listen or offer guidance for all that cherished being with her. Tassie was known for her great sense of humor and played many grand practical jokes over the years, often at her children's expense. She was "the funniest."
Tassie began her nursing career at St. Mary's hospital prior to becoming the Director of Health Services, at the College of St. Scholastica where she spent 36 years dedicated to improving the health and well being of students. The College honored her distinguished career by establishing the "Tassie McNamara" award given annually by the College of St. Scholastica students to a staff person that exhibits the Benedictine spirit.
Tassie spent her life serving others. She was a committed faithful member of St. Joseph Church in Duluth Heights for over 60 years, where she served in nearly all capacities. She volunteered at St. Anns Residence every early morning weekend for 25 years. In later years she was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary's Hospital and a hospice volunteer where she provide family members their much-needed respite. When a woman lives with the love and values that Tassie had, she leaves her family and friends with no regrets or nothing left unsaid. That was her final gift.
Tassie is preceded in death by her beloved spouse Joe, her parents, sisters Bernice (Ira), Doris (Jack), Rose (Walt), and Virginia (Ed) and son in law Mark Sharpe. She is survived and will be greatly missed by her sister, Sister Joanne McMahon, Maryknoll, New York, daughters Kathy McNamara of Arlington, Virginia, Mary Sharpe of Gilbert Arizona, Joan (Bill) Fallis of Duluth, sons Patrick (Debbie) of Santa Clarita, California, Joseph Junior (Duluth), her grandchildren Joseph and Tyler Rodriguez, Jason (Tonya) Sharpe and Lyndsey (Caleb) Griffith, Sean and Kaitlyn McNamara, Nicolle (Matt) Caton, and many close nieces and nephews, many who considered Tassie a second mother.
A very heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Westwood Terrace, Marywood and Solvay House for their compassionate care.
Visitation: 5 - 7pm Tuesday, September 1, 2015, with wake prayers at 6:30pm, at Dougherty Funeral Home. Visitation continues on Wednesday at 10am until the 11am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 151 W. Linden St., Duluth. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please do something special for someone else in Tassie's spirit of giving.
Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd. St., Duluth, 727-3555.