Mary Kathryn Newman, 86, of Maple City, passed away at home early Saturday morning, February 3, 2024 surrounded by her loving and devoted family. She was softly serenaded on her journey from this earthly realm to her eternal home in heaven by the music of her favorite Irish vocalist Daniel O'Donnell.

Mary was born in Traverse City, MI to the late James X. and Bethel M. (Saunders) Sullivan on March 14, 1937. In her later teenage years, Mary worked summers at Camp Kohahna (Glen Arbor) and while attending a community dance in the nearby village of Glen Arbor, she caught the eye of Duane Gilbert Newman, Maple City, MI. The two fell in love and were married on October 26, 1957 at the Grawn United Methodist Church. Together they lovingly raised three wonderful children - Dolores, Timothy and George – on their Newman Centennial Farm.

Mary was always very proud of her heritage. Not many can boast having 3 roads named after their family but she could: Sullivan Road, Cedar, MI, Sullivan Road, Grawn, MI, and, Newman Road, Maple City, MI. Mary and her younger brother, Patrick, grew up living and learning about life on their family farm under the guidance of their mother, Bethel, following the untimely passing of their father when Mary was a toddler and Pat an infant. Bethel taught them important lessons about faith in Christ, loyalty, honesty, integrity, perseverance, solid work ethic, appreciation of life and honoring family. Mary would often share childhood stories about her Uncles coming to help her Mom on the farm and playing with Mary and Pat, teaching them how to get into mischief while still attending to their chores.

As a young girl, Mary learned from her mother how to knit and sew, iron and mend, play the pump organ, care for the farm animals, cook, garden and preserve food for the family. She worked very hard from a young age, helping at home and babysitting for others to earn a little money. She would proudly talk about 4-H sewing projects she entered at the Fair and she imparted the value of doing a good job in whatever you do.

During high school, she found time to participate in Glee Club and family can hear her singing even now at the services in the chapel at the Old Settlers annual picnic. Mary attended the old Traverse City Central School, where she particularly enjoyed the business classes that she found would benefit her throughout her entire life. Her lifelong friend Sally (Steed) Lewis confirms that the girls graduated together in the Spring of 1957.

While raising a family with Duane, AND helping with the farm work and keeping books/records, AND tending to the family's vegetable/flower garden (harvesting and preserving, as well), AND cleaning cottages around Glen Lake on weekends in the summers, she was also a part-time, then full-time, school bus driver for Glen Lake Community Schools for 28 years. Many of her "kids" and their children and their children's children remain in the community and share stories of her loving but firm discipline, assuring safe travels to and from school, as well as to special activities such as class trips, band competitions and athletic events. While waiting for the students at these events, Mary did not sit idly by. Usually, you would hear the clickety-click of knitting needles as she was creating yet another hat, sweater or pair of mittens for a family member. But, before the event would conclude, she'd get back to the bus and prepare it for the return trip to school, warming the engine and cabin to welcome the tired competitors for their ride back home. Mary also proudly served Kasson Township residents as an Election Inspector and Election Chairperson for many years. Although Mary retired from school bus driving and serving as an election official, she continued to be deeply involved in the farm and garden activities with her family.

To be sure, Mary was not ALL work! She enjoyed playing, too! She loved to dance and enjoyed attending local weddings and the dances at St. Rita's Fellowship Hall, dancing the night away with Duane, family and friends. She could stay up for hours into the night playing Euchre or Michigan Rummy, laughing and telling stories and making sure there were snacks for all. Even though making maple syrup on the family farm took a lot of effort, she helped make it fun too. Friends and family were welcomed to the sugar shanty and found pancake batter readied to be cooked and served with the warm sweet amber liquid just prepared - a delicious reward for all the labor. Mary could even make shopping and saving money fun. She was very frugal and helped the family stay within budget by couponing, going to yard sales and thrift shops, and spending time combing through the "jewelry wagon" at a good auction sale for treasures.

Socially engaging (aka – always up for telling a story…she was Irish, you know!), she was honest and didn't mince words, so folks knew she would call it like she saw it. And, folks also knew she would give her best to anything she invested in. She was a dedicated member and Secretary of the Old Settlers Picnic Ground Association since the late 1980's, helping plan and host the annual picnic held the first Sunday of every August at the picnic grounds on the shore of Big Glen Lake in Burdickville, MI. She was an active member of the Cherry Capital Model A Club for years and held various offices, including President. She always made it a point to bring something of interest to share with the membership to keep their gatherings engaging. She cheerfully sewed most of the bright red vests that members would wear to events identifying their Regional Club. She and Duane enjoyed many parades and road trips with their Model A enthusiast family and friends.

Another event that Mary thoroughly enjoyed was participation in and camping at the Old Engine Show, Buckley, MI. As recently as August 2023, she made the annual pilgrimage there with extended family to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and joy of reuniting with others who appreciate and honor days gone by. And, of course, just prior to that, she was cheering on the children of family and friends who were showing their 4-H animals at the Northwestern Michigan Fair, Traverse City, MI. Mary's knowledge of farming and farm equipment was impressive and she could hold a conversation with the best of them regarding animal husbandry, raising chickens or working with the weather and seasons to plant and harvest. Mary's life exemplified her value for agriculture and demonstrated her great respect for all those who came before and carved out a life for her. This fueled her desire to pass on lessons learned to the next generations.

Guests at her home enjoyed Mary's sincere smile and a warm embrace upon their arrival. Many recall fondly receiving a phone call, handwritten note or birthday/holiday card, or a specially selected gift to remind them how important they were to her. She prepared and hosted many family meals, which would include her unforgettable roast turkey or tender roast beef among other home-cooked and family-tradition foods. Mary cared deeply and loved people in a way that only she could.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Duane; her children Dolores "Dee" (Kelley) Wilkinson, Timothy Newman, George (Ginger) Newman; grandchildren Laura (Adam) Nemeskal, Andrea (Ben) Cooper, Keira Newman, Katelyn Newman and Oliver Newman; great grandchildren Gideon and Clayton Nemeskal; sister-in-law Bonnie Sullivan; bonus grandsons Chris (Sarah) DeMoulpied and their children Grace and Owen, Brandon DeMoulpied and Brian Wilkinson; dear friends Sally Lewis and Beverly Shillington, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors-like-family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Pat, an infant nephew Kelley, and a granddaughter who was quietly called to heaven before she was born.

Memorial contributions in Mary's name may be directed to Old Settlers Picnic Ground Association.

A celebration of Life Luncheon will be held at the Newman Centennial Farm from 12-4pm with a memorial service starting at Noon. Kindly share thoughts and memories at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

A private family Graveside Service will be held at Greenbriar Cemetery.