In loving memory of

Joan Marie McNamee
April 4, 1954 - May 23, 2011

TOWN OF DUNN
Joan Marie McNamee passed away peacefully on Monday, May 23, 2011 at HospiceCare, Inc. at the age of 57.

Joan was born in Madison on April 4, 1954 the daughter of Harland G. McNamee and Diane L. (Severson) Schroud. Joan was a lifelong resident of the Madison area. She was a graduate of Sun Prairie High School and received an Associate's Degree in Legal Stenography from M.A.T.C. For twenty-six years she thoroughly enjoyed working as the backbone of the guidance department at Madison West High School. She was recently honored with the Distinguished Service Award, "Madison School District's highest honor for meritorious contributions to students and schools."

Joan was a fun-loving, generous soul. She enjoyed volleyball league, dancing, boating, and listening to music, especially Jeff's. She was also a Packer fan, enjoyed trips to St. Pete's Beach, FL and loved entertaining family and friends at home.

She is survived by her loving partner of 11 years, Jeff Hodgson; children: Shannon (Ben) Nyden and Terry Gent; mother, Diane Schroud; brothers and sisters: Raymond (Mary Ellen) McNamee, Mark (Tami) McNamee, Tammy (Tim) Mattila, Tom (Cheryl) McNamee, and Terri (Brian) Lamprech; grandchildren, Vaughn and Cordelia Nyden; step-children, Lindsay Hodgson and Brian (Kathryn) Hodgson-Anderson; special friends, Lori Fleming, Sandy and Butch Klabunde, Tom and Sheree VandeBrink and Mary Beth "Swede" and Paul Johnson. She is further survived by many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister and step-father.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2011 at Cress Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. A Celebration of Joan's Life will follow the service at Christy's Landing, 2952 Waubesa Avenue, Madison.

A special thank you to the staff of HospiceCare, Inc. for their exceptional care and support.

Memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare, Inc.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3325 E. Washington Ave.
Madison (608) 249-6666

Tributes

Theresa Lomperski wrote on May 28, 2011:

"What I appreciate most about Joan ? is simply having known her. Her zest for life and her love for simply living ? and having fun most of all is a lesson to take forward. Joan brought out the best in everyone, and is one of the people I will remember in this lifetime as having significant grace and goodness. She is an inspiration, having lived her life with love, laughter, and light. Thank you, Joan, for crossing paths with me ? I?m confident we?ll meet again. "

Theresa Lomperski wrote on May 28, 2011:

"What I appreciate most about Joan ? is simply having known her. Her zest for life and her love for simply living ? and having fun most of all is a lesson to take forward. Joan brought out the best in everyone, and is one of the people I will remember in this lifetime as having significant grace and goodness. She is an inspiration, having lived her life with love, laughter, and light. Thank you, Joan, for crossing paths with me ? I?m confident we?ll meet again. "

Eric and Kellie Daugherty wrote on May 27, 2011:

"To The Family of Joan. Our thoughts are with you and your Family during this difficult time. Eric and Kellie Daugherty"

Gary Druansky wrote on May 26, 2011:

"To the family of Joan's, Our thoughts are with you. May you have many memories to keep her close at heart. Gary Drunasky and Jeanne Sekel, Friends of Pat Nelson and Ray McNamee"

John Hodgson wrote on May 26, 2011:

"There will be many triggers that will cause me to smile and miss Joanny over the years to come as I boat, play volleyball or yard games and watch the Packers. Our world is a better place for her having been here with us. She was an inspiration; one of those people that makes me want to try to be a better person. My sincere condolences to her obviously wonderful family."

Judie Pfeifer wrote on May 26, 2011:

"Dear Jeff and family, We are so sorry for your terrible loss. We have deepest sympathy and our prayers are with you. Neighbors Bill Lunney and Judie Pfeifer"

Dan and Kari Newcomer wrote on May 26, 2011:

"Sincerest sympathy to you, Jeff....from part-time Lake Waubesa neighbors, Dan and Kari Newcomer "

Laura Thomas wrote on May 26, 2011:

"Hi, it's family friend Laura Thomas. I spoke with our dear friend Judy Schmidt this morning and here is a wonderful memory we share of a very special day and evening with Joan. We 3 girls celebrated Joan and Judy's 50th birthday by spending the day in complete decadence at Sundara Spa in the Dells. We were the only ones that warm and sunny (imagine that!) day in FEBRUARY (we celebrated early for Joan) and enjoyed massages and hot tubbing and swimming in the outdoor pool to the most gorgeous forested background of Lake Delton. After several hours of becoming beautiful and radiant, we donned our Diva party clothing and joined our partners for an old fashioned romantic Valentine's Day Dinner at one of the fancy supper clubs in the Dells. It certainly was a day of LOVE!!!!! Joan leads the way in the kindness and compassion she has shown to others. She has been a true leader to us on always treating others with dignity and grace. And what a hostess, keeping a beautiful home with an open door to all - Packer parties, scrumptious dinners, and the annual collection of snowmen at holiday time. Another memory that brings me great joy is thinking about Joan's "White Chili". I was in one of the Chili Cookoffs at the community center one year and Jeff teased Joan endlessly about her white chili. I guess it was all about Real Men Don't Eat White Chili. I join in Joan's friends and family to celebrate her unique and wonderful life and am humbled and blessed to have had Joan in my life. Laura Thomas Madison, Wisconsin "