March 2008

FKEC's Paulette McNamara (middle) with youngest son Shane and husband Larry.

Meet Paulette McNamara...

Paulette McNamara was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, but as a child her family moved often around the Northeast.

"It was hard always being the new kid," says McNamara. "I learned, though, how to get along with almost anyone."

Two and a half years ago, McNamara moved to Tavernier from Boston. She came to start a new career and her husband Larry -- who is 18 years her senior and a plumber for Windy Day Plumbing -- came to soon retire.

McNamara also has two sons. Shane, 14, is an eighth grader at Plantation Key School and loves playing soccer and lacrosse. Her elder son Dylan is in tenth grade at Coral Shores and works at Craig's Restaurant. McNamara explains, "Dylan is not in the photo because now that he has his driver's license we only catch glimpses of him every once in a while."

"My greatest accomplishment has been raising my kids," she says proudly. "Being a parent is the hardest job, but it's so worthwhile. I’ve got two great kids."

McNamara is a member of Coral Isles Church in Tavernier and serves on the council and as a deacon.

"Being a deacon means being willing to stand up and step out to help the church and individuals in any way possible. I do it because I love my church," she says. "They love and help me and everybody else, no matter who they are."

When asked about her hobbies, McNamara responded with a smile, "I like walking. I'm 42 years old, and I'm waging war against this second chin I'm growing. I also enjoy camping, boating, kayaking, scuba diving and playing Scrabble and Cribbage. Reading is also a big hit with me, especially things of a spiritual nature."

In 2005, McNamara was hired at FKEC as a Mailroom Clerk and a year later was promoted to Mapping Technician in the Engineering department.

One of the things she likes about working at a small town Co-op is the respect and appreciation people have for their power and where it comes from.

"When I go to the store after work in my co-op uniform, people smile, say hello and are so kind to me...that feels good."