Obituary of Margaret L. Newson

MARGARET L. NEWSON, 1926-2019 A devoted wife and mother, Margaret Louisa Newson, passed away peacefully on July 24th at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan, CT. She was 92 years old. Margaret was known for an unswerving commitment to family, a love of children, and her dedication as wife of the late Rev. David H. Newson, pastor of Watchung Presbyterian Church in Bloomfield, NJ, where together they served a busy congregation for 40 years. Born in England, she will be remembered for her signature English ways kilts and sweaters, cups of tea, affection for the Queen, and above all, an ever-present dignity and kindness. Born Margaret Louisa Daniels in Bedford, England on Oct 24, 1926, she was the daughter of George and Kathleen Daniels. She grew up in Bedford with two brothers, John and Norman. Her father was a commercial painter, skilled in heraldry. Her mother was a Red Cross volunteer during WW I and active in the local Methodist church throughout her life. At the age of 16, Margaret began training as a certified childrens nurse, graduating in the midst of World War II. Her new skills were quickly put to service looking after orphans and refugees at an Evacuation Nursery in Wimbledon, outside of London. It was a seminal experience for Margaret, and it sparked what became a lifelong interest in caring for young children. In 1948, following the War, Margaret brought her expertise to the United States, where she was hired by an English couple to take charge of their three children in Pelham, NY. When they returned to England, Margaret stayed in Pelham, having fallen in love with a handsome Canadian the assistant minister at the local Presbyterian Church, David Hughes Newson. "Dave" loved her red hair and charm. They married in 1950, and moved soon after to Bloomfield, NJ, where Dave had been offered the position of Senior Pastor at Watchung Presbyterian Church. There they stayed for 39 years. Four children followed Dale, Jill, Graham & Owen and a life dedicated to their upbringing, and the often challenging role as a ministers wife. Her tidy and orderly household became a welcoming haven for family, friends, neighbors, and countless parishioners. She managed a daunting schedule of homework, music lessons, newspaper routes, countless school and sports events, church activities and a husband who never had weekends off. She nursed the sick and paid the bills. Margarets philosophy was to cope the best you can, regardless think positive. Or as she would say: "Buck up", "Do a little bit each day", "Look at the improvements!" The few activities of her own included participation in Watchung's Womens Association, Watchung Players, and the local chapter of the British Womens Club. As her own nest began to empty, "Marg" as she was known to friends and family, helped other families, extending her expert nanny skills to a few more lucky children. Her own children, who one by one had gone off to college, would receive a handwritten letter from her weekly, without fail, with $5 tucked inside. Four weddings followed and the original family of six soon became fifteen. In 1989, she and Dave moved to Lancaster, PA, where they enjoyed a long and rich retirement, making new friends, hosting countless visitors, and rooting for the Phillies and Eagles. Visiting grandchildren were treated to treasure hunts, mystery trips, miniature golf, and breakfasts at the local diner. And in keeping with her top priority, she arranged reunions where the entire clan could be together, every year, in a different location Bermuda, the Outer Banks, Cape Cod, and the Adirondacks, to name a few. Those gatherings became Margs favorite memories. In 2016, to be closer to their children, Marg and Dave moved for the last time to an assisted living community in Connecticut. When later that year, at the age of 98, Dave died, their marriage had lasted 66 years. It was a tribute to love and loyalty. Dave once said of Marg, "Shes strong as an oak yet gentle as a lamb…Shes one of a kind, a very very rare jewel." Marg will be laid to rest next to him in Stanhope Union Cemetery, following a service at the First Presbyterian Church of Stanhope, 100 Main Street, Stanhope, NJ 07874 on Friday Aug 2, 2019 at 10:00 AM. Burial will be private. Margaret is survived by her brother, Norman Daniels of Leicester, England: her children and their spouses Dale and David Forster (North Salem, NY), Jill and Edward Curtin (Lebanon Springs, NY), Graham and Cathryn Newson (Reston, VA), and Owen and Gloria Newson (Stanhope, NJ): and five grandchildren Daniel Curtin, Tempe Newson, Graham Forster, Caroline Curtin, and Ryan Newson. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820