Marilyn Clark McNamee peacefully passed away at 94 years of age on November 16, 2023, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. She was born June 21, 1929, in Toledo, to Raymond Clark and Claire Murphy Clark.
Her lifelong passion for service began while caring for her chronically ill mother, who passed away when Marilyn was 18. Upon graduation from Ottawa Hills High School in 1947, she then graduated as a registered nurse from Mercy School of Nursing in 1951 and began work at Toledo’s Mercy Hospital.
In 1951, Marilyn married Thomas J. McNamee and they began raising six children in Perrysburg. Her servant’s heart was demonstrated by her lengthy nursing career and volunteer activities. She returned to work in 1972 at a few different nursing homes, then joined a team in 1982 which opened the Anne Grady Center; later to become the director of nursing there.
She was a strong pro-life advocate and participated in two Washington DC March for Life events. In 1997, she began her decades long service volunteering at the Perrysburg Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Due to her experience as an RN, Marilyn was allowed to provide a deeper level of care to the hospice patients. Even into her 80’s, Marilyn would take friends to medical appointments and check on them regularly.
Her home at Round Lake, Michigan, brought great joy to several generations of family and untold numbers of friends. Jet-skis, trampolinejumping, bonfires, boat rides, water balloon fights, bar-bques, blooming hydrangeas, euchre tournaments and delicious meals were all required events at her lake house.
Mom will be missed and remembered by many, including by her loving children, Maureen (Philip) Moore, Tom Jr. (Julie) McNamee, Dan McNamee, Molly Santerelli, Angela (Mark) Elden, Barry McNamee, and her dear sister, Mary “Terry” Cole. She is preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Rush.
She is blessed to be survived by her dear grandchildren, Molly and Shawn Moore, Trey McNamee, Melissa Lambrix, Angela Rickman, Jason McNamee, Tricia Williamson, Bree Reinhart, Sadie Porter, Chris McNamee and Luke Elden. Her 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson brought her much joy.
Marilyn’s family wishes to acknowledge the enduring love and incredible support provided by Debbie Harwick McNamee to our mom.
Mom’s long-term caretaker, Diann Julius, cared for her with patience, humor and compassion.
Mom’s Celebration of Life will be held at Carranor Hunt and Polo Club, 502 East Second Street, Perrysburg, on Saturday, December 2, from noon to 3 p.m. Prayer and remembrances will be held at 12:30 p.m., with lunch to follow.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the charity of one’s choice.