Grace F. McNamara

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.