Harriet M McNamara

Harriet M. McNamara, 82, of Keyport, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her family on June 20, 2024. Harriet was born to parents Harry and Mildred (Demeri) Porcello on June 12, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up and lived in Queens, until she and her beloved husband of 57 years, Edward, settled in Keyport, New Jersey. Harriet and Edward were married on October 14, 1967, and resided in Keyport for the past 52 years, growing together and raising a wonderful family.

In her youth, Harriet attended St. Nicholas Elementary School, Bishop McDonnell High School, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Queens College. She worked as a teacher her whole life, staring at P.S. 132 in Brooklyn, and then making her way into the Keyport school district after moving, where she taught 6th Grade and Basic Skills before retiring in 1999. She also was an advocate for children’s education by assisting at St. Benedict’s School with the PTA, and as a Confirmation Teacher, along with the Mom and Toddler’s group at Jesus the Lord Church. Her dedication to community and impacting the youth didn’t stop there; Harriet also assisted with various activities in support of enabling young artists and much more.

Harriet was also a loving mother who was very caring, not only to her own children, but her “extra” children as well. All the neighborhood kids would come by and she took care of each like her own. She loved to host family parties and holidays, and there was never a shortage of food to go around. Harriet also enjoyed gardening and loved flowers. She will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.

Harriet is predeceased by her parents Harry and Mildred Porcello. She is survived by her husband of 57 years Edward McNamara, her children Christine McNamara and husband Eric, and Edward McNamara Jr. and wife Lisa, her grandchild Rory, her sister Linda O’Connor and her husband Joseph, and many other extended family, friends, and “honorary” family members.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and Wednesday June 26, 2024 from 8:30 to 9:15AM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday morning, June 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel, New Jersey 07733. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Harriet’s memory to the Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry or the Keyport High School Drama Club. For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com.

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