Helen Newton
July 11, 1924 - December 17, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - Helen Newton, age 96, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, at Oakwood East. She was born on July 11, 1924, in Windsor, Wis., the daughter of Edward and Genevieve (Larson) Watland.
Helen graduated from Madison East High School in 1942. She married Edward Newton on Sept. 14, 1962, in Madison. Helen formerly co-owned The Yarn N’ Knit Shop in Monona with her dear friend, Liz Schmidt, and at one time was secretary to notable Madison architect Kenton Peters. In her first job, Helen worked for Western Union during the war years. There the lobby was always filled with soldiers and sailors. There were lots of sad telegrams back then. She was Branch Manager at 20. She then worked for Unemployment Compensation where she helped returning servicemen get signed-up in the “52-20 club;” $20/week for 52 weeks or until they could find a job. Finally, she spent 13 ½ years with the United States Armed Forces Institute known commonly as “USAFI” (the correspondence school for servicemen). This was where she met many lifelong friends. Helen “retired” when she married but later went back to work part-time when time allowed. Helen loved her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, enjoyed reading, rosemaling, needlework and traveling. She was thrilled to have visited Norway twice in later years.
Helen moved to Oakwood East in September of 2001, where she was surrounded by old and new friends. She enjoyed card club and was a reliable help to many individuals who needed rides and assistance until she was unable to do so.
Helen is survived by her sons; David (Jamie Malliet) Newton, Terry Newton and Thomas (Linda) Newton, grandchildren; Doug (Carrie) Newton, Shalla Newton, Steven (Allison) Newton, Ryan (Elizabeth) Newton, Hayden Newton, Paul Newton and Isabelle Malliet; and her great-grandchildren, Ella and Emerson. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward; granddaughter, Kathryn; brother, Harold Watland; daughter-in-law, Angie; cousins, Evelyn Kurth and Allen Larvick; and many wonderful friends.
Service and burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021.
Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Graveside Service
Thu Jan 7, 2021 @ 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM CDT
Roselawn Memorial Park • 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Helen have been shared yet.
Memories
MJ
Marilyn Briggs Jackson
Other •
Helen was one of my Mother's, Norma Briggs, best friends. We always enjoyed spending time with her and all appreciated that as my mother's alzheimer disease progressed, Helen kept included my Mother in activities as long as she could. We all liked her for her direct and frank approach and enjoyed time with her playing games, talking, or trying to find her parents tombstone at the "Norwegian" church in Windsor. She is remembered fondly and I am sorry for your family's loss.
JT
Julie and Duane Nowak. Jackie Malliet/Mark Tiedt
Other •
Thinking of family and friends of Helen . May you all find peace and strength through each other and you wonderful memories of. Helen.
JF
JULIE BLAGUS FARRIS
Other •
I was her hairstylist for a few years when she lived in cottage Grove Wi I would visit her from time to time at her last resdence . SHE WAS Amazing person !so kind hearted she would give the shirt off her back for anyone she will be greatly missed my deepest Sympathy to her family and friends love Julie Blagus Farris
BT
Bradley Trick
Other •
Unfortunately I never met Helen but knew much about her from many conversations with her son, my good friend David Newton. I know Dave and Jamie loved her and always kept her needs and care as their priority. Helen was loved and her personality made it easy to like her. I wish the family my condolences.