Patricia M. "Patsy" McNamara

Patricia Mae “Patsy” Brunner McNamara, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. She was born on June 18, 1936, in Utica, New York, a daughter of Jack and Margaret Streeter Brunner. Patsy spent her teenage years in West Winfield, New York before making her home in Mayfield, New York, where she spent the majority of her life building a home centered on faith, family, friendship, and unconditional love. On August 27, 1955, Patsy married the love of her life, James Joseph McNamara. Together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage — a loving partnership that served as an example to many. Their home was filled with laughter, music, devotion to family, and countless gatherings that brought people together. As the daughter of a music teacher and music store owner, Patsy developed a lifelong love of music at an early age. She studied music at Fulton-Montgomery Community College and Ithaca College, attended the Myers Conservatory of Music, and proudly performed as a member of the Cornell University Orchestra. Patsy especially loved playing the trumpet and shared that love of music with all of her children and several of her grandchildren. Her family’s shared love of music became so well known that it inspired a newspaper article entitled “McNamara’s Band.” Although Patsy worked for a short time at Decca Records, the true work of her life was caring for and supporting her family. Family was always first to Patsy, and everyone who knew her felt the depth of her unconditional love. She was an active and devoted mother and grandmother who attended nearly every sporting event, concert, school activity, and family event she could, always making herself available whenever someone needed help. She treasured every moment spent with those she loved. Her home was the heart of countless holidays, birthdays, celebrations, and Sunday gatherings. Patsy lovingly prepared enormous meals for family and friends, and she became known for legendary dishes that her family will never forget — her calzones, lasagna, fried chicken picnic meals, homemade pizza, marbled brownies, and chocolate chip cookies were favorites that brought people together again and again. When she was not caring for family, Patsy could often be found tending to her beautiful gardens. She took great pride in maintaining them and delighted in sharing them with others through garden tours she hosted for friends and visitors. She also loved spending weekends boating on the Great Sacandaga Lake and skiing in the surrounding area with her family and many great friends. Later in life, she enjoyed water aerobics and remained active and social for many years. Patsy was a faithful member of Mayfield Presbyterian Church. She also cherished weekly games of pitch with her dear friends Bev and Bob Lowenthal. She loved to travel, especially with family and close friends, including Heidi and Terry Ambrosino. Among her favorite memories were the many family trips to Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, as well as a memorable Mediterranean cruise that brought her tremendous joy. Patsy will be remembered as strong, resilient, welcoming, social, selfless, and, as those who loved her knew well, stubborn in a loving way. More than anything, she was known for her deep love and unwavering commitment to her family and friends. She created a home where everyone felt welcomed, cared for, and loved. In addition to her parents, Patsy was predeceased by her devoted husband, James Joseph McNamara; a brother, Jack Brunner; a sister-in-law, Nancy Brunner; and two beloved grandchildren, Allison and Jack. She is survived by her loving children: Colleen McNamara (Leslie), Jack (Kimberly) McNamara, James McNamara (Denise), Jeffrey (Sue) McNamara, Timothy (Tina) McNamara, Judy McNamara (Tommy), Scott (Denise) McNamara, and Brenda (Robb) Balch; her cherished grandchildren Megan, Erin, Shannon, Jimmy, Ryan, Christopher, Shawn, Jesse, Jamie, Jonathan, Joshua, Cassidy, Shea, Kevin, Mara, Stefanie, and Abby; and her beloved great-grandchildren Caleb, Remi, Claire, Elin, and Hallie Mae. She is also survived by a brother, Robert (Emily) Brunner, along with many nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own children. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 4 – 7pm at the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc., 111 County Highway 106 (corner of Route 29 & Black Street), Johnstown. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 11am at the Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church, 22 North Main Street, with Rev. Dr. Bonnie Orth, officiating. Burial will follow at Mayfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church. Patsy’s family was the center of her world, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in all those fortunate enough to have known her.

Patricia M. "Patsy" McNamara

June 18, 1936 - April 29, 2026

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Patricia M. "Patsy" McNamara

June 18, 1936 - April 29, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

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About Us

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Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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