Dianne K. McNamara

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Dianne K. McNamara passed away quietly at home on May 2, 2023, surrounded by family.

Dianne was born along with her identical twin sister, Yvonne, to John and Lillian Yuill, at Grayling Hospital on January 20, 1935.  Known among family and friends, the popular “Yuill Twins” had a charmed upbringing in both Vanderbilt as children and Gaylord throughout their teenage years.

Dianne graduated from Gaylord High School in 1952 and attended Central Michigan College where she met her husband of 65 years Bob (Mac) McNamara. Married in 1957, the McNamara’s eventually settled in Gaylord raising four children: Pat, Mike Bobby, and Julie.

As an eternal optimist, she always found good in people, places, and situations.  As Julie often says, “Mom is always the silver lining”, she would always say that it looked like it was “brightening up” during the darkest of rainstorms.

An absolute “Momma Bear”, Dianne fiercely protected and defended her family and friends at all times. She was a true friend. Her Wednesday morning coffee group of ladies was a cherished event for over 35 years.

Dianne and Mac spent the majority of their summers on Indian Lake in Manistique and traveled routinely to St. Pete Beach in Florida for weeks throughout the winter months. Dianne was the “social” person when traveling.  She always managed to make lifelong friends wherever she was.

Grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of Dianne’s world.  Arguably, she was the best grandma ever! The first stop for all the grandkids, when they returned to Gaylord, was always Grandma’s house.

She leaves behind her sons, Dr. Michael McNamara, and Bobby (Theresa) McNamara; and daughter, Julie (Dave) Hintz. She is also survived by four caring grandchildren, Calvin (Stephanie) McNamara, Mitch Hintz, Kelly Hintz, and Lauren (Dan) Goertz; and six great-grandchildren, Hazel, Tillie, Hayden, Leah, Weston, and Brielle.

Dianne was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillian Yuill; sister, Yvonne Howard; husband, Bob McNamara Sr.; daughter-in-law, Donna (Mike) McNamara; and son, Dr. Patrick McNamara.

A celebration of life will be held at “CRAVE” Restaurant at 148 W. Main St. in downtown Gaylord, on Sunday, May 7, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to The Otsego County Community Foundation- Dr. Patrick J. McNamara Fund via the link provided, or by mail at Otsego Community Foundation, PO Box 344 Gaylord, MI 49734.

Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.

28 comments on “Dianne K. McNamara”

  1. Mike, Bobby, Julie & family,

    I have so many great memories as a friend of Julie’s and spending countless weekends at the McNamara house. Mrs. McNamara was always so hospitable and seemed to know everything that went on in our day at school. She always initiated conversation with genuine concern and offered words of wisdom. Over the last 50+ years she has always been a friend and took time to catch up on our families. I truly loved her and will miss her sweet smile and warm embrace.
    Hugs to the entire family in the many days ahead❤️🙏🏽😘

  2. Mariane Crumm

    A summer visit to Indian Lake to see Kathy and Steve Middleditch was never complete without having drinks and conversation with Mac and Aunt Diane! Their love of family and love of life were contagious! We send our love ad sympathy to Aunt Diane’s family. We will always cherish the memories!

  3. Good bye, to my best friend, Dianne. The over 60 years of friendship will never be forgotten. I will always remember the fun and laughter that we shared together. The angels are lucky to have you now. I will always love you.

  4. Donna Boughner

    Radiant, humorous, caring and sweet are words that come to mind. She was one cool lady. My whole soul smiled when I saw her, and when I think about her. She raised children that share her ability to light you up in their presence .Big Mac had the smile and Mrs Mac had the kindness to back it up. Two pillars in the community that created a family that follows in their footsteps. What a legacy. What legends. 🥰😍❤️❤️ RIP and prayers for happy memories that bring peace to your family. -Boogie

  5. Julie -my deepest condolences to you and your family. Dianne was so friendly and we always had a nice conversation whenever I would run into her. She referred to me as “Helen’s daughter, my mom.” May you find peace and comfort in all the wonderful memories made with her❤️

  6. Don and Linda Fitzekinda

    To Dianne’s family: I am so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I’ve known her since she and your dad moved to Gaylord in the 60’s. When we’d run into each other we’d reminisce about the good times we had. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. She was a wonderful mom, friend, and a great lady!

  7. Don and Linda Fitzek

    To Dianne’s family: I am so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I’ve known her since she and your dad moved to Gaylord in the 60’s. When we’d run into each other we’d reminisce about the good times we had. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. She was a wonderful mom, friend, and a great lady!

  8. So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was blessed to have so much love for so many, her family, friends and our community! She is with those she loved and those blessings will continue to flow through all of us..

  9. Dear Julie, Bobby, Mike and the whole lovely family. I am so sorry for your loss. Julie is right, Dianne was always the silver lining. I loved Dianne very much she was my first friend when I moved to Gaylord and we remained friends (sisters) even when I moved from Gaylord. We have so many wonderful memories of our times together.
    May Perpetual Light shine upon you dearest Dianne.

  10. So very sorry to hear about Dianne 😢. I first met her when I was pregnant with twins at a Gaylord Builders Association gathering, she of course had twins and had nothing but encouraging words and that beautiful smile! Every time I’ve seen her through the years, kind words and that same smile….even when I would see her at the hospital, best face forward, focus on others rather than herself and still smiling. Godspeed Dianne and happy memories to all of her family and friends ❤️

  11. Andrea Morelli

    Dianne will be so missed at Indian Lake. It was a blessing to know this kind and caring women. The lake will not be the same without her.
    Our thoughts and prayers.
    Ed and Andrea Morelli

  12. Dianne was a very kind and caring women. It was our blessing to know her and see her at Indian Lake. She will be missed.
    Thoughts and prayers for the family,
    Ed and Andrea Morelli

  13. Mike and Jackie Prusakiewicz

    Mike, Bobby, Julie and families,

    I have lots of fun memories spent at your parents house growing up. They’re door was always open! Diane always had a smile and warm hug. The reunion in heaven is a special one for sure. So blessed to have known her. May God give you his peace and let her smile and laughter shine through you all.

  14. Maria Barnovitz

    So sorry for your loss.
    She truly was a ray of sunshine, and I will never forget her positivity and that beautiful smile!
    May she rest in peace.

  15. So sorry to hear about Diane, she was the sweetest. I will miss her visits to my shop and seeing her cheerful self and wonderful conversations. Condolences to you and your families.
    Lori Kirk
    Sugar Me Sweet Cake Shop

  16. Suzie Medellin

    I am sad to hear of Dianne’s passing and last year, Bob’s. My heartfelt prayers to all of Dianne and Bob’s families. My prayers go out to all of you. I remember them well. They both were so kind, very nice and beautiful. Our family interacted through the years in many ways, from Vanderbilt to Gaylord and the insurance office.
    Suzie Karslake Medellin

  17. Martin Van Til

    So sad to hear if Diane’s passing. She was one of the most sweetest people I knew Always happy and upbeat. And of course always perfectly put together. She is one of those people that I will truly miss. Thoughts to her whole family. Martin.

  18. To the family members that knew me back in the 70`s. We lived in Gaylord in 1974-1977. I was a field rep for Westfield Insurance Co. and we had an office in the rear of the Mac Agency building. We lived on Second Street not far from mac and Dianne`s place.
    We soon knew all the important people in town through introductions from Mac and Dianne. They were so generous with their time and attention to get us situated in the community.

    I played basketball and softball for Mac`s teams and had especially good memories from winning the city championship several times with Mac. They had us to their home for dinner with Dixon`s many times and I was invited to the UP cabin. Although we were there just 3 years, we have fond memories of our stay mainly due to their willingness to open their hearts to strangers in town and make us feel welcome. We visited Gaylord many years ago and I recall once Dianne heard we were in town, she rushed to the agency to greet us. Nice lady.
    Fondly, Dave & Leslie Critchfield

  19. She was a lovely lady and will be so missed. She has a beautiful smile. She must have missed Big Mac 🙂 I am sorry for your loss!

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