Longtime Rochester Resident Karen S. McNamara Passes Away at 72

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Karen S. McNamara, a 72-year-old resident of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on February 12, 2026, at Spring Valley Living Center after a long battle with early-onset dementia. McNamara was known for her fashionable sense of style, boisterous laugh, and dedication to her family, including her three daughters and numerous grandchildren.

Why it matters

McNamara's passing marks the loss of a beloved community member who was active in Rochester for decades, working in retail and the postal service. Her family and friends will remember her vibrant personality and commitment to spending quality time with loved ones, even as she faced the challenges of early-onset dementia in her later years.

The details

Over the years, McNamara became known for her fashionable appearance and feisty attitude. She enjoyed boating, fishing, and motorcycle rides with her husband John, as well as cooking, baking, and shopping at local small-town stores. After retiring from a long career in retail and the postal service, McNamara spent her time reading, traveling with family, and doting on her grandchildren.

• Karen S. McNamara passed away on February 12, 2026.
• McNamara was born on January 3, 1954.
• McNamara graduated from Mayo High School in Rochester in 1972.
• McNamara married her husband John in 1990 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.
• McNamara retired at the age of 47 after 27 years as a retail manager at K-Mart in Rochester.

What’s next

Karen's memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Millet Cemetery, Rural Spring Valley, at a later date.