| Date of Birth | December 26, 1967 |
| Passed Away | September 23, 2026 |
| Place of Residence | Syracuse |
| Home State | New York |
| Service Date | September 28, 2026 |
| Service Time | 11:00 AM |
| Service Location | St. Gabriel Catholic Church |
Hammondsport, NY – Grace Frances McNamara, 58, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, New York.
She was born on December 26, 1967, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the beloved daughter of the late John Frederick McNamara and Karen (Finucane) McNamara. Over the years, Grace lived in Plantsville, Connecticut, as well as Pittsford, Ithaca, and Syracuse, New York, before returning to Hammondsport, where she graduated from Hammondsport Central School in 1986.
Driven by a deep empathy for others, Grace pursued a bachelor’s degree in sociology at Ithaca College and went on to earn her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Syracuse University. She dedicated her professional career to helping individuals and families as a therapist and social worker with the Madison County Department of Social Services in Wampsville, New York. In Syracuse, she was an enthusiastic volunteer and supporter of the Westcott Community, an avid runner, and a devotee of classic comedies like Seinfeld and Friends.
Though a sudden illness and severe brain injury fifteen years ago profoundly altered the path of her adult life, Grace met each day that followed with gentle resilience, remaining a cherished and constant presence in the hearts of her family.
Grace is lovingly survived by her sisters, Maria Fitzgerald and Beth McNamara Rigby; her nephews, Brendan Fitzgerald (Emily Black) and Noah Rigby; her nieces, Erin Fitzgerald and Caitlin Rigby; her uncles, Brian Finucane (Sheryl) and Paul McNamara; and her cousins, Mark and Kevin Finucane, and Lisa and John McNamara.
She was predeceased by her parents; her brother-in-law, John Patrick Fitzgerald; and her cousin, Sean Finucane.
Per Grace’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 78 Shethar Street, Hammondsport, NY. Burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Grace’s memory to the Central New York SPCA, 5878 East Molloy Road, Syracuse, NY 13211, or online at cnyspca.org/donate.
Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport, is honored to assist Grace’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Grace are welcome below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
Maria, Beth,
I am so sorry to hear of Grace’s passing. She sounded like a remarkable woman. Please extend my condolences to the family.
Sorry to hear about about Grace. We have no idea what kind suffering she may have going through all these years. There were mitigating issues of her situation that might have helped others if mentioned.
I am upset that I had to hear it from my wife and that me ,her uncle got it second hand.
I remember Graces gift for knowing enough to subdivide her late mothers land ,sell the trees ,and then the land. She came to Virginia 3 times while I was constructing my lake cottage to see how I built things . I as her uncle try to remember those things Uncle Brian
I remember Grace as vibrant and full of life and love for others. I have lots of good memories growing up and spending my summers at their mothers house along with her sisters’ up the road from the lake. Grace seemed to just emit light wherever she went.
Maria, I remember when Grace visited us in Boston. She was so much fun and so lovely.
You were the best sister to her.
My very deepest sympathy.
I have so many wonderful memories of Grace. May she rest in peace! 🌹🙏💕