Janice McNamara

Janice B. (Burchard) McNamara, 85, of Shrewsbury, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012 in the Ichabod Washburn Hospice Residence surrounded by her loving family. Janice was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, only child of Arthur J. and Helen (Carey) Burchard and was raised in North Attleborough, Massachusetts. She graduated in 1943 from North Attleborough High School as the Class Salutatorian and recipient of a four year college scholarship. As a senior, she had been a delegate to the Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution annual meeting in Boston. Janice was a violinist in High School, College and later in the North Attleborough Community Orchestra. She also was a Drum Major for the North Attleborough High School Band. Janice graduated from Bridgewater State Teachers College in 1947 with highest honors. While in College, she was a delegate member and President of Kappa Delta Pi, a National Honor Society in education. She was a teacher in the Newton, Attleboro, and North Attleborough school districts. On July 23, 1949 she married James P. McNamara of Taunton and moved to Shrewsbury in 1957. Since moving to Shrewsbury, Janice has been active in the community as a substitute teacher for 16 years. She was a part-time test examiner for the Federal Civil Service, a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church where she was an officer in the former Women’s League. She was a volunteer driver for the Senior Council on Aging, a proofreader for the monthly “Senior Newsletter”, and Assistant Treasurer of the “Friends of the Senior Center”. She enjoyed volunteering many hours as a Senior Greeter at the Shrewsbury High School. Janice’s family wishes to thank the Staff at both the Ichabod Washburn Hospice Residence and the U Mass Memorial Hospice for their compassionate care of Janice during her illness. Janice leaves a son, Brian J. McNamara of Marlborough, two daughters, Beth Wahlstrom and her husband, John and Judi Scott and her husband, Steve all of Shrewsbury; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren and many friends. She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, James, a son, James P. McNamara Jr., and her companion of 12 years, Fred Pandiani. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Janice’s family on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 4-7 PM in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Her funeral will be from the funeral home on Friday, April 13, 2012 with her funeral Mass being celebrated at 11 AM in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St. Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. Memorial donations can be made to the Ichabod Washburn Hospice Residence, 1183 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01603.