Mary Dolores McNamara, beloved wife of the late George Edward McNamara, died on October 19, 2009. She was preceded in death by her sons, Bryan, George Gregory, and daughter, Mary Teresa. Dolores was born in Memphis, TN on May 10, 1917. Dolores devoted her life to her family and her Church. As a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Dolores was a Eucharistic Minister, a founding member of the Liturgy Board, president of the Curia of the Legion of Mary, Altar Society, and member of the Communication Board of the Archdiocese. The Georgia Bulletin named Dolores as person of the year in 1981. Pope John Paul II awarded Dolores the Benemerenti Medal in 1982. The medal is given to those who show exemplary service to their church, family, and community. Dolores is survived by daughters Sheila Collins of Atlanta, and Rita Eschenbrenner and husband Tom of Richardson, TX. Dolores will always be known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as MeMo, a name given to her by granddaughter, Kathleen Collins of Atlanta. Other surviving grandchildren are Cecelia Spitznas and husband, Jim of Purcellville, VA; Sheila Ann Ferguson and husband, Chris; Ed Collins and wife, Lena; and Maureen Collins, all of Memphis, TN; Capt. Scott Eschenbrenner and wife, Adrianna of Ft. Bragg, NC, and Patrick Eschenbrenner of Richardson, TX and great-grandchildren Trey and Mac Collins, Jack and Quinn Ferguson of Memphis, TN. Dolores’ life will be celebrated with Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Friday, October 23, 2009 at 11:00 AM with Father John Fallon and Monsignor Richard Lopez officiating. Our family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Wellington Court at St. George Village. A special thank you to all her priest friends too many to name, but you know you are in her heart. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send contributions to the Edwin Collins Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. Pius X High School, 2674 Johnson Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30345. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Thursday, with a Rosary service at 7 PM at A. S. Turner & Sons, 2773 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033.
