Born in Brookfield, MO Jean Ann was the oldest child of James and Jeannette (Anderson) McNamara; younger siblings included Sharon, Martha and Joe. Raised in Mexico, MO she attended St. Brenden's grade and high school, graduating in 1952 as the Salutatorian of her class. She received her diploma in 1955 from the College of St. Teresa, Department of Nursing. After graduation she worked in Kansas City at St. Joseph Hospital in many divisions, including Head Nurse of Surgery.
Jeannie later moved to Denver and St. Louis where she shared apartments with her sister Martha. She returned to Kansas City and continued her education at the College of St. Teresa of Avila. She was a private duty nurse for Joyce C. Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards, and edited his memoirs.
In 1974 she married Harold Bruce and became part of his family that included children Robert, Harold Jr., James, Beth and Dan. After her marriage, Jeannie continued her nursing career in convalescent homes until 1995 when she stopped working to care for her mother full time until her death in 1999. In 2000 Jeannie suffered a stroke and later was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Jeannie enjoyed time with her family, especially with her sisters Martha and husband Paul, Sharon and Mike and their children-Paul, Anne, Christine, David, Theresa and Andrew and with brother Joe and Ethel and their children Michele, Steven, Gregory and Jay. She looked forward to her conversations with cousin John Richmond and had a special affection for her McNamara cousins. She kept in close contact with classmates and dear friends Betty Lucas, Eileen Coffey and Barbara Sellmeyer. Proud of her Irish heritage, Jeannie wore green on St. Patrick's Day and flew the Irish flag.
As her health declined she had the help of caregivers, Charlotte, Darcy, Maria and her physicians Dr. Kirk Barnett and Dr. Gerald Mancuso. Even though simple tasks became difficult she continued to care for her husband Harold, always putting him first. Harold suffered a stroke at the age of 93, and died July 25, 2017; Jeannie's death came one week later.
Jeannie is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Joe, and stepson Robert. Survived by sisters Sharon Chiarelli, Martha (Paul) Palermo, 4 step children, 10 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews and a host of cousins and special friends. Special thanks to Loribeth (Heartland Hospice) and niece Michele Welch who cared for Jeannie 24/7 during her last days.
Jeannie possessed an unselfish, humble and shy nature; she was an excellent nurse and caring person, kind to a fault, and generous to everyone she met. She will be missed by all who knew her especially sisters Martha and Sharon.
Memorial contributions can be made to Heartland Hospice, 1001 East 101st Terrace, KCMO, 64131-3367 and to Coronation of Our Lady Church, 13000 Bennington, Grandview, MO 64030.
"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by McGilley State Line Chapel.
6 Entries
August 8, 2017
Beth Ratty
August 8, 2017
Beth Ratty
August 8, 2017
Beth Ratty
August 8, 2017
Beth Ratty
August 8, 2017
Beth Ratty
August 7, 2017
My deep sympathy to the family..I admired Jeannie.She was a good friend in nursing school. I also shared an apt. With her for several years Always respected her integrity. May she Rest In Peace. She bore her suffering with dignity.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more