Recent obituaries have highlighted the lives of two remarkable individuals: Sister Bernadette McNamara and Mrs. Dianne M. Simpson. Their stories of love, service, and community create not only tributes to their lives but also connections for those they left behind.
Sister Bernadette McNamara, known as Sara Bernadette McNamara, was born on January 24, 1934, in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland. She peacefully departed this life on December 16, 2024, at the Sisters of Mercy Residence, Marion Center, Belmont, North Carolina. She was welcomed as the beloved daughter of Patrick Joseph McNamara and Elizabeth Kinney. With a calling to serve, Sister Bernadette entered the Sisters of Mercy on October 3, 1951. Throughout her life, she dedicated many years to education and pastoral care, primarily within the Diocese of Charlotte.
Her passion for ministry took her to locations beyond the states, including Guam and Saipan. Upon her return to the U.S., Sister Bernadette served as the administrator at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church located in Mocksville, North Carolina. Her ministry continued to flourish with her role as CEO and President of Catherine's House, and she later returned to parish ministry as Pastoral Associate at Queen of Apostles. Even after retirement, she volunteered her time at the Mercy Heritage Center, emphasizing her lifelong commitment to service.
With her infectious Irish smile and joy for life, Sister Bernadette easily won the hearts of her parishioners and colleagues. She loved music, cherished her family and friends, and wore her title as Sister of Mercy with pride. Her zest for life was matched only by her commitment to the community she served. A viewing will be held at Sacred Heart Convent, Cardinal Gibbons Chapel on December 23, 2024, from 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial. At 1:30 PM, there will be a Committal Service at Belmont Abbey as well. The family has requested donations be made to either Catherine's House or the Sisters of Mercy instead of flowers.
On the other end of the spectrum is Mrs. Dianne M. Simpson, who passed away at the age of 76 on December 19, 2024, at Tennova Healthcare Clarksville. Born on August 29, 1948, in San Diego, California, she was the daughter of the late Edward Hicks and Barbara Phife Hicks. Dianne was known for her creativity, particularly her passion for crafting gnomes, and she found joy baking with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was devoted to her family and deeply cherished the time spent traveling with her husband of 55 years, Kenneth Simpson. Dianne was also known for her involvement with the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and the social engagements of her Bunco Group. A loving figure who touched the lives of many, she leaves behind her husband, their children Jamie A. Simpson of Waverly, Matthew Simpson and his wife Jennifer of Erin, and Ashlynn Hamm and her husband Jameson of Dover.
Dianne is also survived by her grateful grandchildren, including Christopher Simpson and Cheyenne Lane of Waverly, Connor Simpson and Kennedi Simpson of Erin, along with her great-grandchildren, Weston, Abilene, and Waylon Hamm of Dover. A memorial service to honor Dianne’s life will occur on January 3, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, followed by interment at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West.
Both Sister Bernadette and Mrs. Dianne Simpson represent lives filled with love, commitment, and community involvement. Their legacies will continue to inspire those they have touched during their lifetimes.
