Mary E. (Eaton) (McNamara) Delaney

Mrs. Mary E. (Eaton) (McNamara) Delaney, of Waltham, died on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Maristhill Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Waltham. She as 99.

She was the wife of the late James R. McNamara, Jr, and the late Edward F. Delaney.

Mary was born in Waltham to Elizabeth (Lally) and Joseph F. Eaton. She and her husband Ed lived in Waltham for most of their lives, eventually wintering in Naples, Florida for more than 20 years, and residing at Brooksby Village in Peabody before returning home to Waltham last year.

She was a graduate of Waltham High School, class of 1944, studied art at the New England School of Art and with many private artists. Mary volunteered at the Waltham Hospital for over twenty years and was the chair of the art committee. She was a devout member of Saint Mary’s Church in Waltham and Saint Anne’s Church in Naples, Florida. She belonged to the Saint Vincent De Paul Society while living at Brooksby Village. 

Mary could be found volunteering at the local food pantry, helping with the make-up and costumes of many theater groups, and taking tap lessons at the age of 85. Mary found happiness by the water, particularly at Brant Rock and in Naples where she spent many contented hours.

She leaves her children, Michael F. McNamara (late Ida Shaper) of Colchester Vermont, Maureen Delaney (Shaun McCallum) of Waltham and Joseph Delaney (Jennifer Dolan) of Reading; her grandchildren, Sarah (McNamara) Morneau (Brett), of Nantucket, Rebecca (McNamara) Faour (Rami) of Colchester, Vermont, Matthew Delaney, Katherine Delaney, Julia Delaney, all of Reading, David McCallum and James McCallum, both of Waltham; her great-grandchildren, Rima and Aida Faour and Michael (Mac) and Mary Morneau and her dear friend Philip Millner of Lynn to whom she was a “special mom”.

Mary was predeceased by her son, James R. McNamara, III.

Family and friends will honor and remember Mary’s life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Tuesday, January 28th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Newton Athletes Unlimited, Newtonathletesunlimited.org