Barbara Ann (Dinsmore) McNamara

Barbara Ann McNamara November 4, 1941 – November 3, 2025

Barbara “Barb” Ann McNamara, 83, of Concord, North Carolina, peacefully transitioned into heaven on November 3, 2025—one day before her 84th birthday. Born in New York, New York on November 4, 1941, Barb grew up in Clarion, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from Clarion High School. She went on to earn her degree in Medical Technology from Thiel College in Greenville, PA. In 1964, she married her beloved husband, Thomas Michael McNamara, also of Clarion, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, laughter, and devotion to family.

In 1969 moved to Mckeesport PA and started working at Shadyside hospital in the Hematology Department in Pittsburgh, for 20 plus years and in 1997, Barb and Tom moved to Charlotte, NC, where they built a beautiful life surrounded by friends, family, and community.

Music was one of her greatest joys and expressions of spirit. She was a devoted pianist, studying for over twelve years and mastering the works of Beethoven and many of the classical composers she loved. From her early years of devoted practice through high school and college, her gift and discipline deepened. As an adult, she often filled her home with her favorite Beethoven pieces, sharing that same beauty and emotion with her family.  Her love of creativity showed in many ways — from sewing special gifts for her children and grandchildren to infusing everyday life with warmth and imagination. Whether through music, art, or the quiet nurturing of her garden, she expressed the divine beauty within her soul.  Now her melody continues in the unseen realms — a song of peace, love, and eternal grace.

A talented seamstress and quilter, she poured her heart into sewing clothes and gifts for her children and grandchildren, and creating keepsakes for family and friends. She was a cherished member of the Pine Needlers quilting group, meeting monthly to share fellowship and to create ornate quilted gowns for premature babies who returned to heaven—garments donated with love to grieving parents.

She also enjoyed playing tennis, a passion that began in college and became a family pastime enjoyed year-round. Barb’s gentle spirit, compassion, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her friends and loved ones will remember her as kind and thoughtful. Her grandchildren would say she was strong, loving, and selfless. Always amazed by her relentless ability to be there for everyone in our family without looking for anything in return.

Family gatherings were among her greatest joys—filled with laughter, stories, and meals prepared with love around the dining table. Barb also had a lifelong affection for horses and
German Shepherds, a love that began in her youth riding horses on her friend’s farm in Clarion. Inspired by the classic television show Rin Tin Tin, she brought home her first German Shepherd after moving out on her own, beginning a family tradition that has continued for generations.

Barb is survived by her husband, Thomas Michael McNamara of Concord, NC; brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Joyce Dinsmore of Englewood, FL; daughter, Stacey Ann Kirkpatrick of China Grove, NC; son and daughter-in-law, Michael Scott and Cindy McNamara of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Tyler James Kirkpatrick, Liam Thomas Kirkpatrick, Joshua Thomas McNamara, and Mckenzie Jean McNamara; and nieces and nephews Michael Patrick Stokes and Michele Nicole Stokes, Jenny Dinsmore Aronson, and Abigail Dinsmore King.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Bruce Heasley Dinsmore and Betty E. Byers Dinsmore; sister Christine Dinsmore Stokes and brother-in-law Michael Stokes
Barbara has returned to the Garden of Life, where her soul now blooms in eternal peace. She was a woman of grace, creativity, and love, who brought beauty to everything she touched.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Jack Creek Preserve Foundation https//www.jackcreekpreserve.org/give in memory of Barbara McNamara Services
Inurnment, presentation of her ashes will be lovingly blessed and placed in the church columbarium at St. Thomas Aquinas 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte NC, 28213. Thursday November 13th at 1:00 pm at the Columbarium.
 A Celebration of Life will be held on  Friday November 14th at Taylor Glen Life Plan Community Chapel , 3700 Taylor Glen Lane, Concord, at 2:00 pm.
Music
https://youtu.be/noAU3qDS1dA?si=sx4V-LnyQlOgPE7q
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