McNamara
Betty is survived by her husband, Jude R. McNamara, having been married more than 62 years. Betty is mother to Donna Marie Gibbons (Ron), Jude Robert Jr. (Cindy), Elizabeth Camp (deceased), Karen Lee Raabe (Mark), Sandra Elisa Boatright (Daniel), Robin Rose Wiseneske (deceased), and Therese Leona Zurovec (Randy); 19 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren and two more on the way.
Betty and her brother Buster grew up on a farm outside of Minden surrounded by family and extended family. She was very active in her church and community, attended school in Minden and graduated with her nursing degree from Northwestern State College in Natchitoches.
In 1954, Betty married Jude McNamara, a United States Air Force Lieutenant, and began a 62-year love story. Between 1955 and 1963, they grew their family to seven children while navigating the military life. All the while, she was actively involved in and supporting her children’s lives including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, sporting events, drill team, cheerleading, shopping, counseling, and countless other activities. She was referred to lovingly as Betty, Babe, Wife, Mother, Mommy, Mommy, Mama, Mom, Grandmother, Mimi, GG, Money, and Gumps. After retiring from the Air Force in 1974, Jude and Betty settled in Houston, Texas, involved in their church and their ever-growing family.
Betty is reverently remembered as the center of their life:
“Mom was always the place I would go when the rest of the world beats me like a drum.” “Mom was my comfort.” “Mom was patient, endlessly loving energy.” “Mom was the diaper changin’, cupcake makin’, booboo kissin’, boyfriend grillin’, makeup removin’, under the bed checkin’, secret keepin’, interference runnin’, God fearin’, and all knowin’.” “Mom was always there after school and the conversations we had then made me into the woman I am today.”
“What I remember most about my mom was how much she supported me in all of my high school endeavors. No matter how much of a challenge it was, she was there. Another great memory of my mom is when we were on summer breaks and we would always make sure and watch Days of Our Lives everyday together. Spending that time with her was invaluable and I still cherish it to this day.”
“Mom taught me faith in God, unconditional love, acceptance, to believe in myself and the value of forgiveness and family through example and our many conversations throughout my life. Her gracious love for my children will be a gift to treasure forever. Mom, your quiet yet strong presence created my foundation. We love you, Mom.”
Betty found the secret to a happy life, serving God and her family. She will be missed.
The family will receive friends from 3 until 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016 at the Schmidt Funeral Home Grand Parkway Chapel, in Katy, Texas with funeral services to follow at 4 p.m. with Father Ruben Nwankhor officiating.
To express condolences, please visit www.SchmidtFuneralHome.net.