Jean H. Newell, 83, formerly of Waterbury, Conn., died peacefully, surrounded by her family May 16 at Miles Memorial Hospital, Damariscotta.
Born Jan. 7, 1926 in Waterbury to Etta and Adolph Hespelt, Jean grew up in the east end of Waterbury, graduating from Crosby High School in 1943. She earned her RN at the Waterbury Hospital School of Nursing and married David Newell, Sr., a returning WWII Marine veteran, at Mill Plain Episcopal Church in 1946. Jean was a parishioner of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Waterbury, Conn., serving as a trustee, and was a member of The Waterbury Junior Women’s Club.
Jean worked the night shift as a private duty nurse at Waterbury Hospital so she could be available to her family during the daytime. She shared her life long passion for being in or near the water, with her three sons, whether at the Nurse’s Camp at Laurel Ledge on Lake Quassapaug or family summer vacations in North Truro, Cape Cod, Mass.
In the mid 1960s, Mrs. Newell’s professional career advanced as she received special training as a coronary care nurse, including duty in the early days on the Heart Mobile. Jean earned her BS degree in psychology in 1976 and MS degree in counseling in 1980 from Southern Connecticut State University. In the early 1980s Jean moved to mid coast Maine and enjoyed living near Damariscotta Lake and Pemaquid Beach. She attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Newcastle, where she was a member of The Miracles, a woman’s support group. Jean spent the next two decades as a counselor, in private practice and as a staff member at Augusta Mental Health Institute. In her retirement, she volunteered with Hospice.
Jean enjoyed many activities during her lifetime; snow and water skiing, golf, boating, swimming, playing bridge, socializing and travel. She loved nature and expressed her creativity through painting and photography. Jean appreciated music of all kinds especially played by family members and enjoyed fine food on special occasions. Jean was never at a loss for a laugh or an opinion, both of which she generously shared with all.
Mrs. Newell was predeceased by her ex-husband, David Newell, Sr.
She is survived by her sister, Gloria Carlson of Bethlehem, Conn.; sons, Dave Newell, Jr. and wife Claire of Cheshire, Conn., Scott Newell and wife Alice of Ipswich, Mass., and Carter Newell and wife Kaity of Damariscotta; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two nephews.
Memorial service 2 p.m., Sat., July 18 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Newcastle in celebration of her life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the ElderCare Network of Lincoln County, P.O. Box 652, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Condolences may be sent through the Strong Funeral Home at http://www.strongfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements entrusted to the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
