McNamara, Susan Margaret (Panek)

Age 78, passed away peacefully in her home in Apple Valley, MN on May 3, 2025. Susan was born in St. Paul, MN on August 21, 1946.

She was a loving wife and companion to Jack for over 55 years.  Not having children of her own, she loved being the Aunt who came to all the recitals, performances, and sporting events of the many nieces and nephews.  She attended Holy Spirit Grade School - Class of 1960 and St. Bernards High School - Class of 1964. Sue excelled in High School as the Vice President of the class, Vice President of the Student Council, Captain of the cheerleaders and Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook. She won the Leadership Award upon graduation, which was the highest school award. She worked for the Great Northern Railroad, Brady High School, the Hastings Star & Gazette, and the State of Minnesota.

Sue was an Arts & Crafts person who was skilled at anything creative.  She was also a Champion Cookie Maker, having won 1st Place in the 1999 Land-O-Lakes Cookie Contest, that included over 5,000 contestants. Her Brown Sugar Cashew Cookie recipe was published for many years. Over Jack's high school coaching career, she baked in excess of 50,000 cookies for his team's bus trips.

Her most endearing traits were her kindness and thoughtfulness. She was always thinking of others. Sue lived by this moto: "Whatever you are, be a good one." She was truly a remarkable woman to anyone who knew her.

Sue is survived by Husband, Jack McNamara, Sisters-in-law Patricia Wewers, Judith Panek, Sally McNamara, Brothers-in-law Thomas McNamara, Michael McNamara, Robert McNamara, Bob Wewers, Special Friend Charlotte Olein and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

There will be a Visitation on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 5-8:00PM at White Funeral Home, 14560 Pennock Ave. Apple Valley. A Memorial Service will be held May 21, 2025 at 11 :OOAM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 13900 Biscayne Avenue West., Rosemount, MN, with a Visitation from 10-11 :OOAM.  Lunch to follow.

Please follow Susan's example:  Be kind to each other.  Share a smile and brighten someone's day.  Give as you can to those in need.

Sue will be missed, but will live on in our hearts.

Memorials preferred to the American Diabetes Association. www.whitefuneralhomes.com