Patricia Ann (Grace) McNamara

Patricia (Patti Ann), 64, of Binghamton, N.Y. peacefully passed away from Early Onset Dementia on December 21, 2022, with her loving husband by her side. She was a gem of a soul that we were all lucky to have in our lives.

A devoted wife to Michael (Mickey) McNamara, for 35 years, Patti Ann was an affectionate, attentive, sports-oriented mother to Sean McNamara (Vanessa) and Maggie McNamara (Chris Massar).  Proudly raising her family with Mickey on the East Side, Patti Ann prioritized her family and fiercely committed her life to her son and daughter. Patti Ann instilled the value of family, honesty, hard work and fun.  “Grandma Trish” was adored by her grandchildren Mia and Ryan McNamara, the light of her life and greatest joy. She leaves behind siblings William (Bill) Grace (Nancy), Mary Beth Grace (Kate Kosewic), sister in-law Nancy Grace and many beloved nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. She was predeceased by her loving parents, William (Bill) and Kathryn (Kay) Grace, and brother Gerard (Jerry) Grace. 

Patti Ann was born on October 3rd, 1958 in Pittsburg, PA and was the youngest of four children. In 1960, the family returned to Binghamton where her Dad had roots.  Raised on the West Side, she attended St. Thomas Aquinas Grammar and Catholic Central High Schools.  Even as a child she had a calming presence, loved to dance, was open minded, inclusive, empathetic, easily made friends, could spin a good story and light up a room just by being there.  You were best friends in a matter of moments.

Patti Ann’s kind heart, caring nature, outgoing personality, warmth, and passion for physical activity inspired her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation from SUNY Brockport. She had a fulfilling career as a Senior Recreational Therapist and compassionately served others at Broome Developmental Center for 35 years. She selflessly cared for her aging parents with a smile. Once retired, Patti Ann continued serving others as an aide at West Middle School. 

Always one to challenge herself, she loved downhill skiing, running road races (especially San Francisco’s Bay to Breakers race with her sister), hiking, camping, swimming, entertaining, summer vacations at the Jersey Shore, long walks with beloved family dogs--Shannon, Bailey, and Ralph--and “Lake Life” at Quaker Lake and Arrowhead Lake.  Known as “Momma Mac”, Patti Ann was deeply loved and respected by all of her children’s friends.  Proud of her Irish heritage, she loved Irish dancing, Irish music, tea with milk, St. Patrick’s Day Parades and often could be found celebrating in Binghamton and/or New York City.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Memory Care, Lourdes Hospital, Delhi Nursing Home, and especially her extremely attentive friends Vickie Kenville and cousin Eileen Fox who tenderly cared for Patti Ann during her difficult journey.  Donations in memory of Patti Ann can be made to C.U.R.E. (Childhood Cancer Association, Rochester NY) or Southern Tier Special Olympics.  

The family will receive friends at the Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home, Inc., 137 Robinson St., Binghamton, NY this Thursday, December 29, from 4 - 6 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St Thomas Aquinas Church, Binghamton on Friday, December 30 at 11am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

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