Obituary: Lorraine "Lori" McNamara

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Lorraine "Lori" McNamara (née Kirkley), age 84, passed away peacefully with family by her side on August 2, 2026, in Rhinelander, WI. Born on March 11, 1942, in Chicago, IL, Lori lived a life filled with love, dedication, and faith.

Lori is survived by her husband of 62 years, Patrick McNamara. Together they built a family that brought her immense joy and pride. Lori is also survived by her children, Mary Kate (Curtis) Matson, Peggy (Dave) Gerdes, Colleen (Jeffrey) Fornoff, Jim (Julie) McNamara, Kelly (Mike) Dzak, and Shannon (Anthony) Arendt. She was a cherished grandmother to Conor and Darcy Matson; Stephanie (Jerry) Green, Stacey Gerdes, Lindsay (Tim) Anderson, Nina Gregor, Zach Green, Tessa Green, Grant and Brynn Hertzmann, Kyan and Ryker Anderson; Keegan, Brennen (Hannah Jonik), and Brody Fornoff; Hannah and Luke Vercellotti; Logan Dzak; Kilian, Caitlin and Quentin Arendt, and dear great-grandmother to Scotia Fornoff. Lori is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Mary Faith (James) Kowieski, Denis (Jane) Kirkley, Kevin (Jane) Kirkley, and Kathy (John) Hunt; as well as her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Mary Pat McNamara, and sister-in-law, Martha Kirkley.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Anne McNamara; her parents, James and Connie Kirkley; her parents-in-law, Jim and Della McNamara; her brother, Jim Kirkley; her brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Eileen McNamara. Lori also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Faith played an integral role in Lori’s life. A longtime member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Joliet, Illinois, she became an Associate of the Joliet Franciscans in 2003. After retiring to the North Woods of Wisconsin with Patrick, she became active at St. Kunegunda Parish where she found fulfillment as part of their Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Lori graduated from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing with her RN. She devoted her professional career to nursing at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, where she also received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Her work was marked by her unwavering commitment to the students she served, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Lori’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. Her loving nature and generous spirit were evident to all who knew her. She had a positive outlook on life that inspired those around her and cultivated deep bonds with many close friends. If you were lucky enough, you received a notecard for a birthday or a thank you, as Lori loved sending correspondence.

The McNamara family would like to thank the staff of Friendly Village Nursing Home in Rhinelander, WI, for their years of dedicated care and compassion for Lori, especially Nurse Jane. Lori’s memory will forever remain a source of comfort for those who loved her deeply. May she rest in eternal peace surrounded by the love she so freely gave during her lifetime.

Memorial Visitation for Lorraine “Lori” McNamara will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. Funeral Services will be Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., from the funeral home to Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, IL, where a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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