Amber "Bambi" McNamara-Croke

"Bambi"

Amber Irene McNamara-Croke “BAMBI”

Born November 28, 1955, ascended to heaven August 21, 2022

Bambi peacefully passed away at home Sunday, August 21st at 9:30 p.m. surrounded by her loving family after a lengthy battle with cancer. Her family was there to “walk her home”.

Bambi grew up in Lansing Michigan as part of the McNamara clan, she was very proud of her Irish heritage. Bambi attended Lorain High school in Lorain Ohio from 1970-1972. Bambi moved to Sylvania Ohio and graduated from Sylvania High School in 1974. Bambi studied at the University of Toledo and graduated with honors from Mercy College of Nursing in 1997. This Bambi did, at the age of 40, while working part time and raising her children.

Bambi was employed throughout her lifetime at Toledo Trust Bank, Teledyne Turbine Engines, Groskopf Engineering and finally followed her true calling into nursing. Bambi worked at many Toledo area hospitals and doctors’ offices as an agency nurse, before going to the University of Michigan where Bambi completed her nursing career.

Bambi was the center of her family, the glue that connected all of us together. Bambi was a fierce defender and ferocious lover of her family; it was always family first. Bambi’s contagious smile, bright eyes and humorous laugh was a gift to all her family and friends. Bambi loved her husband and children unconditionally and they brought her great joy. Bambi’s greatest joy came when she was blessed with the births of her amazing grandchildren. Nothing compared to the joy and happiness Bambi felt while spending time with her granddaughters, Charlie, Ruby and Lucy.

Bambi’s deep love of family was boundless and extended to all her nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and their families. Bambi’s heart touched many friends, near and far, long ago and present, and they brought her much happiness.

Bambi loved traveling with her sisters and girlfriends, loved summer vacations with her family, her swimming pool, gardens, and backyard gatherings. Sitting in her backyard enjoying family and friends was always a special time. Bambi was truly in her element, helping to plan and organize family functions. Bambi would be one of the first to come and the last to leave at every reunion, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter parties. Bambi made a point to be at every birthday, graduation, wedding, bridal and baby shower.

Bambi will be truly missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, family, friends and all of those who loved her.

Bambi is survived by J.B., her loving husband of 42 years, son Sean (Sarah) Croke, daughter Kelly (Derek) Croke, and loving granddaughters, Charlise Croke and Ruby and Lucy Whitten. Bambi is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Robert (Jill) McNamara, Robin (Kevin) Armstrong, Shawn McNamara, Heather (Todd) Hunt and Christopher Greenshields. Along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and their families who were all very dear to her.

Bambi is proceeded in death by her parents Robert McNamara, Bruce and Joan Greenshields, grandson Noah Whitten and sisters Brenda McNamara, Maureen (Renie) VanDerBos, and Debbie Teachout.

We will be having a Celebration of Life for Bambi on September 11, 2022, from noon to 4 p.m. at Olander Park, Nederhouser hall in Sylvania, Ohio.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

September 11, 2022

Olander Park 6930 W Sylvania Ave, Sylvania, OH 43560, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: American Cremation Events