Obituary of Jo Lee Zilka McNamara

 

 

Jo Lee Z McNamara was born on November 15, 1935 in West Seattle. She loved her time in high school and was crowned Miss West Seattle in 1952. She attended the University of Washington and enjoyed school and the sorority life. This is where she meet her first husband Lew Zilka who became an officer in the Marine Corp. The couple had two children Cathy and Dan. The family lived in many states over the years but never lost touch with their Pacific NW roots and Jo eventually ended up calling Portland home. It is here where she meet her husband Tom of 35 years. Tom and Jo were beloved by many! They had many friends and family in the Lake Oswego area as well as in Palm Springs where they would spend the winter months. Their home away from home yielded many new friendships which allowed them to travel all over the country visiting new places and attending events on their bucket list - including the Kentucky Derby! Jo worked in banking for much of her adult life, ending her career at First Interstate Bank. This is where she formed dear relationships that lasted her entire life. Jo is survived by her daughter Cathy Zilka Nusbaum, and son Daniel Zilka. along with grandson's Parker and Pierce Nusbaum in addition to her beloved husband Thomas McNamara Sr.

 

A service will be held on Saturday February 8th at Our Lady of the Lake church in Lake Oswego at 11:00 AM - 790 A Ave. Lake Oswego. A "Celebration of Life" reception will immediately follow at the Foundry located at 320 Oswego Pointe Dr.