RITA LORRAINE MCNAMARA

Rita Lorraine “Lori” McNamara was an AmeriCorps member, a domestic violence shelter advocate, and a computer literacy teacher. Lori died on March 26, 2022 at the age of 72 in Pittsburgh, PA, a community in which she spent nearly 20 years of her life. Lori was born on March 27, 1949, in Boston, MA, to Audrey C. (Buckley) and William McNamara, Sr. A graduate of Maria Assumpta Academy (‘68) and the University of Bridgeport (‘72), Lori received her MBA from Bryant College in 1983.

Lori dedicated her life to helping others. As an AmeriCorps VISTA member in Scranton, PA, Lori employed her business skills while working for a public housing organization and rallied volunteers at Scranton’s Voluntary Action Center. As an AmeriCorps member, Lori worked with teachers in the Annapolis Maryland Public Schools to infuse service learning into classroom curriculum. At a domestic violence shelter in New Britain, CT, Lori provided counsel and housing arrangements for those in need. Her advocacy work continued at The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, where Lori drew upon her education degree to teach computer literacy to newly arrived immigrants in the Family Literacy Program.

Lori is survived by her brother, Richard “Rick” McNamara of Los Angeles, CA. Lori was predeceased by her brother, William “Bill” McNamara, Jr. of Medfield, MA. She is survived by her sister-in-law Deborah McNamara of Scituate, MA, nephew William McNamara III, and niece Rebekah McNamara. Burial took place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA, on March 31, 2022.