McNamara, Jean Marie (1945-2017), Age 72 years, Evanston, Richmond County, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017, in the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax. Born in Johnstown, she was a daughter of Mary Catherine (Campbell) Gerrior and the late Joseph Gerrior. Jean worked briefly at the Royal Bank, Port Hawkesbury. She was an active member of the Riverdale Community Services Society and Saint Francis de Sales Parish. She was also a member of the CWL for more than fifty years. From early childhood, Jean's musical gifts captured hearts. She sang with family members and friends at concerts and plays throughout the Island. She shared her love of music with the man who would become her life's soul mate. Blair and Jean were the cornerstone of weddings, funerals, parties, concerts and benefits. Her oft-requested signature songs, "Fields of Athenry" and "Come by the Hills" struck a chord with audiences for miles around. As life brings triumphs, so too come challenges. Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) slowly robbed Jean of her motor skills and the ability to speak .With help of family, friends and caregivers, Jean remained at home for a time, but eventually would require Long Term placement. Still, there was rarely a day when Jean complained or asked; Why me? Her room was adorned with treasured family memories. Familiar Irish music played in the background. Characteristic of her resilience and strong faith, Jean greeted everyone with a warm smile. Left to mourn are her mother, Mary Catherine, Johnstown; sons, Bradley (Arlene), Beaverbank; Chad (Tania), Hammonds Plains; and Travis (Angela), Halifax; sisters, Patricia (late Vince) McNamara and Mary (Terry) McNamara, all of Evanston; Annie (Pius) White, Whiteside; brother, Neil, Johnstown and sister-in-law, Mary Anita Gerrior, Johnstown. Very special to Jean's life were her four grandsons: Brennon, Keegan, Ashton and Calum; several nieces and nephews. Jean was predeceased by her father, Joseph, her husband Blair, brother, George and foster brother, Henry Mitchell. Visitation for the late Jean McNamara will take place on Wednesday, April 5, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 724 Granville Street, Port Hawkesbury. Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, April 6 at 11 a.m. from St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, Lower River Inhabitants, with Father Callistus Abazie officiating. Burial in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Whiteside. Memorial donations may be made in Jeans’ memory to Alzheimer’s Society (Attention: Research in CBD) or Riverdale Community Services Society. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com Visitation Information Visitation Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Visitation Time 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Visitation Location Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 724 Granville Street, Port Hawkesbury Service Information Service Date Thursday, April 6, 2017 Service Time 11 a.m. Service Location St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, Lower River Inhabitants Burial Information Burial Location St. Patrick's Cemetery, Whiteside