GUILDERLAND — Rose Ann (née Amadeo) McNamara, who liked to help and entertain others, died peacefully at home with family on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 86.

She grew up in New York City, the daughter of Frank and Antoinette Amadeo. She relocated with her husband and three children to Albany in 1970.

“Throughout her life Rosie was the one called upon by family and friends whenever help was needed, which she did happily and without hesitation,” her family wrote in a tribute. “She had many roles in life: wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

“She had such a strong connection to people and took care of so many. She was always available to take her friends to appointments and shopping. Rosie always had a friendly smile to share. She had many jobs in her lifetime and in her later years she shared her compassion as a companion at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing home.

“She worked her entire life and finally had to ‘retire’ at 85. Her common theme in life was to help and entertain others. She was known for her humor and spunk, she had strength well beyond her size. Rosie was known by different names by the many people who lives she touched.

“She lived her life with happiness, compassion, understanding and vigor. She loved to dance and dance through life she did. Rosie will be eternally missed by the many friends and family she brought joy and laughter to. She never gave up her zest for life and living and kept us in laughter during the difficult days.”

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Rose Ann (née Amadeo) McNamara is survived by her children, Mary Ann, Robert, and Susan; by her her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Pisarski McNamara; by her grandchildren, JamieRose, Alex (Sydney) and Connor Noonan, Erin, and Rachael McNamara; by her sister-in-law, Margaret Kirby; by her nieces, Angela, Peggy, Carolyn, Patty, Linda; by her nephews, Jackie, Gary, Jimmy, Frank R., and Frankie A; and by her lifelong friends, Joanie and Dee, in addition to many treasured friends.

Her husband of 57 years, Desmond McNamara, died before her as did all her siblings: Frankie, Carrie, Tony, Marie, Dotty, and Catherine.

“The family is so very appreciative to all those who loved and supported Rosie with special thanks to Kathie Burke and her granddaughter, JamieRose, for her wonderful care of Grandma Roro,” her family wrote. “Thanks to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospice.”

Calling hours will be held Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home at 5126 Western Turnpike, just west of Carman Road, in Guilderland. Mourners may leave condolences online at  www.demarcostonefuneralhome.com.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. on Saturday at Christ the King Church at 20 Sumter Ave., in Guilderland. Burial will be private.