Brenda Lee (Gray) McNamara

Brenda Lee (Gray) McNamara, 81, of Keokuk, passed away on Saturday, March 15th in her home.

She was born on June 5, 1943, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Alberta (Altheide) Gray. She graduated from Hamilton High School in 1961. Brenda attended Western Illinois University, where she earned a BS in Business Education. While attending college, she worked as a legal secretary for Williams & Hartzell Law Firm in Carthage, Illinois.

Brenda married Danny McNamara on July 23, 1968 at St. Francis Church in Keokuk. She was blessed with two children, D.J. and Christina, and three grandchildren, Mac, Grace, and Mark. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Brenda taught Business Education at Cardinal Stritch High School. After the birth of her children, she enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and volunteering for school activities. Once her children were older, Brenda returned to work at Cardinal Stritch High School as the secretary to the principal. Upon retirement, she received an award from the Diocese of Davenport for her many years of service in the Keokuk Catholic School system. Brenda and Danny enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River with family and friends.

Brenda served in many volunteer roles. She was involved with the Keokuk Area Hospital Auxiliary, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Daffodil Days, Birthright, and Meals on Wheels. As a dedicated member and volunteer for All Saints Catholic Church, she delivered communion to the homebound and helped with weekend mass accounting. She enjoyed reading, shopping, and walking the family dogs, Hammer and Buddy.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Danny; son, D.J. McNamara; daughter, Christina McNamara-Schmidt (Karl); grandchildren, Mac, Grace, and Mark Schmidt; brother, Mike Gray (Carroll), nephews and nieces; and her special niece Jane Stone.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Alberta Gray; maternal and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Altheide and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gray; sister Donna Jorgensen (Paul); sisters-in-law Tickie Quick (Sam) and Jean Miler (Phil); brother-in-law Joe McNamara (Colby); and nephew Danny Grice.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 3 to 7 pm, with family meeting friends from 5 to 7 pm at Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk, with a private burial following at Keokuk Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Ladies of Charity, Birthright, All Saints Catholic Church, the Keokuk Catholic School System, or the Knights of Columbus.

Brenda and her family would like to express their thankfulness for cards, prayers, flowers, and food received.