Marjorie A. McNamara Hope

Troy, NY. Marjorie Alice McNamara Hope passed away peacefully on December 9, 2021, at her residence at the age of 103.

Born in Troy, NY, on September 10, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Hugh F. McNamara and Anna Loretta Hayes McNamara.
Marge was a member of the first graduating class of Sacred Heart School, Troy, in 1932, and Catholic Central High School, Troy, NY, Class of 1936. She received her “graduate degree in work” at Montgomery Ward where she consistently excelled in her production area beyond the set quotas. Later, she worked for New York State Department of Civil Service.
Following World War II, she married her life-long partner and the man she loved most dearly, Leo J. Hope. Together, they raised five children, had ten grandchildren and thirteen (and one on the way) great grandchildren. During that time, Marge found herself very active in many other endeavors, Cub Scout Leader, Spring Little League Auxiliary Treasurer which she continued six years after her youngest son no longer played, at the Troy YWCA, first as a fitness participant, then as an instructor where to her delight many 20 year olds could not maintain her pace. But, her biggest thrill was to welcome all to their house. It didn’t matter who it was: playmates, classmates, friends, relatives, college friends, grandkids and great grandkids. She made everyone feel welcome. For over 30 years, she hosted the Annual 4th of July Hope-McNamara Family Cookout, along with her husband and children, where everyone was able to have fun, play games, renew their acquaintances, and take pictures of the kids as they grew up.
Perhaps her best gift was the time she spent with her grandkids whether it was after school, during summer break, or vacations. It gave the grandkids the opportunity to experience her patience, kindness, love, and boundless energy, which they all embrace today.
Forever the parent and always ready to set the example, one of her last comments to us was “ Say your prayers and be kind to others”.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Leo J. Hope; her devoted sons, James F. Hope and Thomas P. Hope; her sister, Marion, and her brothers Hugh and Thomas. She is survived by her children William J. Hope, Colonie, Kathleen A. Hope (Paul Mattey), Troy, and Robert J. Hope (Stephanie Keens Heslin), South Colonie; her ten grandchildren: Patricia Ann Hope Lewis, Kelly Lynn Hope Louis, Colleen Marjorie Hope Levenson, Elizabeth Paula Hope Tignini, Michael McNamara Hope, Whitney Jane Hope Bailey, Audrey Lee Hope Ellison, Erin Celeste Hope Hunter, Meghan Ashley Hope Nesmith, Thomas Mark Hope, and thirteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family wises to thank the Albany VNA, especially Gifty and Barb, and Community Hospice.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 17th at 10:30 a.m. from Sacred Heart Church, 310 Spring Ave., Troy where the Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated.
Friends are invited and may call at Sacred Heart Church, Troy, on Thursday December 16th from 4 PM to 7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, you may make contributions to Sacred Heart School, 308 Spring Ave., Troy, NY 12180.