Obituary of June Beryl Newth

The following poem was given to June and read often after the death of her husband Don. We share it with you now: I’M FREE Don’t grieve for me now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day. To laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way. I’ve found that peace at close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I’ve savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed too brief. Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me. God wanted me now; he set me free. Born June 7th, 1928 in New Haven, CT, died February 24th in University Place, WA. June was the fourth of five children born to Jeannette and Isadore Katze. She was an identical twin, born 10 minutes older than sister Janice. The older siblings are brother Harlan, who predeceases her, Naomi, and Alan. She grew up in New Haven, CT, attended Teacher’s College (now Southern Connecticut State University) where she met Don, her husband of 46 years, who passed away 12 years ago. They married 9/9/49 and had two children Greg (married to Alice Newth, living in Montague, MA) and Nancy (married to Fred Flynn, living in University Place, WA). Her only grand-child is Jessica Turner Newth Greenfield, 25, of Carrboro, NC. June was an elementary teacher for many years. After completing her Master’s and Sixth Year, she worked at the Junior High level as a reading specialist. She loved to teach, working with the students and other teachers. Her career culminated in the Weathersfield, CT school system. She retired in her 50’s so that she and Don could travel. They discovered Arizona and the warm weather and lived there from 1985. When Don died, June took her travels to a new level when she started taking cruises. She traveled around the world and back, literally! She cruised several times a year to exotic and wonderful places. She met a special group that she bonded with on her “round-the-world” in the southern hemisphere, remaining special friends with many, having reunions and more cruises. She was an active volunteer in Yuma for the Yuma Democrats and a Hilary fan all the way. Her sincere desire was for Hilary to make it as the first female president of the US. She did admit she would support Obama if he makes it. June was a friend to so many, in the many different facets of her full and vigorous life. She was a model of Christian principles, living her life as if she meant it, and she did! She carried strong beliefs and was happy to share them with anyone. She followed her values and lived her life according to her motto, “no regrets”. She leaves us now with none, except that she got “liver cancer” when she didn’t drink and her lungs were great, despite the fact she smoked. So, go figure? She continued to read the New York Times daily, debating politics with Fred (her son-in-law) up until the end. Her indomitable spirit and sense of humor remained until the very end. When it came time, she went very quickly, and passed away very peacefully. We are eternally grateful to the dedicated and compassionate care of Dr. Mo Olivera and Dr. Rick Tobin. Thanks for supporting her while she did it “her way”. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008