Obituary of Joan Kinzly McNamara

Joan Ellen Kinzly McNamara, 87,passed to Our Lord on Monday, July 22,2019 surrounded by her loving family.   Joan was born September 9,1931 in Lockport, the daughter of Howard B and Ellen Marie Chabot Kinzly.    On July 6,1957 she married Thomas Albert McNamara.   Joan is survived by three children, Cheryl Lawson Nash (Paul) of Decherd, Tenn., Kathryn M. Reid (Paul) of Lockport and Paul T. McNamara of Jacksonville, Fla.    Joan live a full, productive and beautiful life.   She loved her family and her friends and she was delighted to have lived long enough to see some of her great grandchildren.   Joan was an avid gardener and loved getting outside to work in her gardens.

Joan was a 1949 graduate of Lockport High School and received her teaching degree from Buffalo State College.    She taught for the Lockport School District for 34 years retiring in 1991.  She loved teaching and sharing new discoveries with her students.   Life for Joan was an adventure.   She traveled all over the world and shared photos and stories of her experiences with all who were interested.

Joan was a member of All Saints Parish, Lockport College Club, Cornell Study Mothers Club, Lockport Camera Club, Investment Club and a member of the Dale Association.    She enjoyed bowling with the Charlotte Cross teachers, walking with the Gasport walking/breakfast crew and most recently playing Cribbage with the group that met at the Dale Association every Tuesday morning.

Along with her three children Joan is also survived by her grandchildren Jordan Lawson Nauman (Mike) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Robert C. Lawson (Molly) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Theodora E. Jones of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Steven T. Reid (Amanda) of Lockport, Meredith B. Harris (Alexander) of Waterport and Ryan Paul McNamara of Jacksonville, Fla.;  also three precious Great Grandchildren.  Joan also is survived by her brother Richard B. Kinzly (Sharon) of Olcott and sister-in-law Carol J. Kinzly of Lockport and family members and dear friends.

Joan was predeceased by her husband Tom in 1997 and her grandson Mark James Reid in 1995.

Relatives and friends may call FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH FROM 4-7 pm at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH at 11 AM in All Saints Parish (St. Patrick’s RC Church), 76 Church St., Lockport.  Memorial donations to the Church or to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry would be appreciated by the family.  Visit pruddenandkandt.com.