Joan C. (Villano) McNamara

Joan C McNamara, 88, of Wyckoff passed away on June 17th, surrounded by her children. Joan was a loving wife and mother, a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She was a woman of quiet strength, endless kindness, and unwavering love. Joan dedicated her life to her family, always putting others before herself. Her warm home, delicious meals, and wise advice created a haven for all who knew her. She was known for her attention to detail, love of entertaining, love of flowers and most importantly her deep faith.

Born in Paterson, Joan was a registered nurse prior to meeting her husband, the love of her life, Senator Henry P McNamara. They bought a home in Wyckoff, NJ, where they would reside for 58 years. Joan raised their three children while working as an RN. Joan also participated in the Harvard Nurse Study from 1976 to 2006. After their children were grown, Joan owned and operated The Write Occasion in Wyckoff, NJ, with her partner Gail Levine.

Joan is survived by her three children: son, Henry and wife Kristin (Hillsdale, NJ), her daughter Susan Ryder and husband Kevin (Oak Ridge, NJ), and her son Patrick and spouse Coleen (Wyckoff, NJ), her grandchildren, Peter Arnone and wife Liza, Paul Arnone and wife Jessica, Ryan McNamara and wife Verity, Joseph McNamara and wife Rachel, Kelly Ryder, Megan Ryder, Drew McNamara and Anais Tavolara, and her 7 great grandchildren. Joan is also survived by her sister, Grace Barr (Cinnaminson, NJ) and brother Ralph Villano and wife Elaine (Sussex, NJ).

Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband, Senator Henry P. McNamara, her parents, Ray and Susan Villano, and her brother Joe.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 20th from 3pm to 7pm at the VanderPlaat Funeral Home,  www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ.  

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, June 21st at St. Elizabeth’s R.C. Church, 700 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the following organizations: St. Jude's Tribute Program or Alzheimer's Association of NJ

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