Obituary of Anna Ann'' McNamara

Anna “Ann” Louise McNamara, retired Principal at Memorial School in Burlington, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 25, 2018. She was 80 years old. Ann was a woman who served her family, community, and her God. Her strength, conviction, and faith were rooted in her family and the strong values she learned from her parents. As a young adult she chose to serve as an educator. She used what she learned at St. Joseph’s School in Medford and St. Charles School in Woburn as her starting point. She earned her Undergraduate Degree from Emmanuel College, and her Master’s Degree from Northeastern University. She taught at St. Mary’s School in Lynn, St. Mary’s School Cambridge, was an Assistant Professor at Emmanuel College teaching Latin, and was the Dean of Admissions at Emmanuel College. She then worked in the Burlington School system as a teacher and special education counselor at Marshall Simonds Middle School and as the principal for 17 years of Memorial Elementary School. For Ann, who wasn’t destined to have a child or children, as an educator and principal each one of her pupils had a special place in her heart that gave her life meaning, purpose, and joy. Ann’s service did not stop in the school, she served her community. She was an elected member of Burlington’s Town Meeting. In town meeting she was an advocate for education, open space and children. She was currently a member of Burlington’s Conservation Commission, where she has served for 9 years working to protect the town’s water supply, open space, and over development. She served on the Board of Directors for the Burlington Community Life Center which provides counseling, crisis intervention, and group support programs for residents. She was also a member of the Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club. Another interesting fact about Ann she didn’t share with many was that she played Women’s Semi Pro Basketball in the 1950’s. Ann was the devoted and caring daughter of the late Irving and Anna McNamara. She was the sister of Irving “Mac” McNamara & his wife Maureen of East Hampstead, NH, and Mary Julie Masci & her husband Joseph of Arlington. Ann was also survived by many close first and second cousins, friends, colleagues, and former students. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Barbara’s Church, 138 Cambridge Rd, Woburn at Noon. Visiting hours Tuesday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ann’s name may be made to Sisters of Notre Dame De Namur at www.sndden.org or People Helping People, P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803, www.peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org