Barbara Eleanor (Avery) McNamara

Born in Syracuse, NY on August 12, 1935, passed away in Sarasota, FL on Friday November 16, 2018. Barbara was the daughter of Richard and Ruth Avery and sister of Susan O’Tier. After graduating from Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA, Barbara married Donald McNamara, with whom she lovingly raised 5 children and shared the next 62 years.  A Mt. Lebanon resident since 1965, Barb thoroughly enjoyed living amongst her wonderful neighbors on Ella, the best street in Lebo. Her fun loving and mischievous personality along with her caring nature made everyone love Barb. She supported her husband’s love of Pittsburgh team sports. Barb loved animals, flowers and she especially enjoyed visits with family to the zoo, Phipps Conservatory, and the Aviary. Barb developed close friendships during her many years in Mt. Lebanon volunteering at St. Bernard Church on the Crafts and Wedding Committees and making pies and working at the annual May Mart. Barb was always busy; tending to her home or beautiful garden, petting her cats, buying treats for her neighborhood pets and creating a warm, inviting environment that made everyone feel welcome. She and Don hosted many memorable holidays and celebrations. A highlight of the year was the annual summer family getaways to Hampton Beach, NH and Avalon, NJ fostering a tight “cousins” bond among her nine grandchildren. Barb was an avid game and card player. She had a knack for making every holiday, birthday and gathering a special occasion. Barbara loved to shop and honed her shopping acumen on yearly trips with her sister.  She loved when her daughters+ and grandchildren joined in on these outings, all of whom benefited with something to show for it. She is survived by her daughters Theresa Piccirillo and Catherine Rust; sons Steve (Lina) McNamara and James McNamara; daughter in-law Margaret McNamara; and grandchildren Robert Piccirillo, Laura Piccirillo, Kate McNamara, Sean McNamara, Tommy McNamara, Megan Rust, Sarah Rust, Billy Rust, and Shane McNamara. Barb was preceded in death by her husband Donald, youngest son John, and her sister Susan.  She is also survived by her nephew Craig O’Tier, niece Suzanne Cohen, and nephews Frank Shea and Donald Shea, and their families. Family and friends will be welcomed at Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 222 Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon on Sunday afternoon, November 25th from 1:00 until 4:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Bernard Church on Monday morning at 10. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Phipps Conservatory, One Schenley Drive,  Pittsburgh, PA  15213. 

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