Deborah A. McNamara 54, of Charlestown, formerly of Spencer, died Thursday, March 30 at Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester after a 17 year battle with breast cancer.

Pre-deceased by her sister Cheryl Stack, she leaves her brothers John A. McNamara IV of Spencer, Kevin P. McNamara and his wife Bridget of Plymouth and David G. McNamara and his wife Allison of Weymouth, her sisters Laureen E. McGuirk and her husband William of Auburn, and Deanna M. (McNamara) Sutton and her husband Ryan of Charlestown, her sister-in-Law Lisa McNamara of Spencer and brother-in-Law Edward Stack of Reading. She also leaves her many nieces and nephews who loved her endearingly.

Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of John A. and Bernice E. (Carmerlengo) McNamara III and raised in Spencer. She graduated from David Prouty High School where she was on the field hockey, basketball and softball teams while she battled Hodgkins disease. She later graduated from Bridgewater State College.

After surviving Hodgkin’s Disease, Debbie devoted herself to physical activities and travel. She was an avid cyclist, and runner, but was known to delve into every sport imaginable, golf, skiing, scuba, etc… If it were too snowy for her to take her dogs running around Brookwood Farm in Canton, you’d find her snow-shoeing instead.

Her battle with cancer was the catalyst for her participation in the Pan Mass Challenge for over 10 years, which continued up to, during, and after illness re-entered her life in the form of Breast Cancer. She is considered by members of the Boston Bruins Foundation PMC Team as instrumental in its creation. She donated much of her time in raising money for other various charitable organizations as well.

Deb was a longtime Park Ranger for the Dept. of Conservation & Recreation based at the State House in Boston where she was known for her outgoing personality and her wonderful smile.

She was an inspiration to many, and loved by all who knew her.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, April 3 with a Funeral Mass to be held at Noon in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Friends are asked to go directly to the church. Calling hours at the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer are Sunday, April 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. Burial after cremation will be private in Worcester County Memorial Park, alongside her mother. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to: Boston Bruins Foundation, 100 Legends Way, Boston, Ma. 02114.