Phyllis P. Newcomb
February 25, 1918 - May 12, 2018
Obituary
MADISON-Catherine P. “Phyllis” Newcomb, age 100, of Madison, passed from this life to her eternal home in Heaven on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Oak Park Place. She was born in February, 1918, on a farm in Conewango Valley, N.Y., the youngest child of Philip B. and Jessie M. (Potter) Pickup. In 1942, she married Frederick W. Newcomb, with whom she had fallen in love when she was in the 8th grade.
Phyllis, whose primary-level education was in a one-room school, graduated from Buffalo State Teachers' College, in Buffalo, N.Y., and, while her spouse was in the U.S. Navy during World War II, she taught home economics in Ripley, N.Y. After the War, with her first baby, and her spouse recently-graduated from college, Phyllis and her growing family moved to Niagara, Wis., where they resided for 18 years. During this time, besides sewing many of her own and her children's clothes, she returned to teaching for several years. Her husband's subsequent career moves took them to California and Texas before they settled in Atlanta, Ga., where Phyllis and Fred remained during retirement. Their gracious home was frequently a stopping-place for countless relatives and long-time friends passing through town, or even staying for weeks at a time. Becoming seasoned travelers, they journeyed to many states and to many other countries as well. Phyllis lived in Georgia until 2008, when she lost the love of her life, her partner of more than 65 years, and moved again to Wisconsin.
Survivors include her son, David (Carlene) Newcomb of Delavan, Wis.; daughter, Judy Fowler of Madison; granddaughters, Christine (Garrett) Berman of Lake Zurich, Ill. and Janice Looney of Niles, Ill.; grandson, Nathan Shepherd (Liz Brenner) of Minneapolis, Minn.; great-grandchildren, Jessica, Zachary and Noah Berman, and Margaret, Daniel and Claire Looney; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Arthur, Leigh, Everett and Sidney; sister, Marguerite; and her daughter, Nancy A. Newcomb Shepherd.
Family will gather for burial, with graveside remembrances and prayers in July at the Cherry Creek (New York) Central Cemetery.
In memory of Phyllis, donations are suggested to Agrace HospiceCare (Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711 or https://www.agrace.org/donate/) or your local hospice or dementia organization, or to Chamblee First United Methodist Church (4147 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 or https://chambleeumc.org/give/), or to Bashford United Methodist Church (329 North St, Madison, WI 53704)
Having improved her community and making dear friends in every place she lived, Phyllis touched many people with her care, kindness, and hospitality. Her loving heart and quiet strength will continue to inspire all who have known her. The family thanks the devoted care-givers at Oak Park Place in Madison, especially those on Autumn Lane. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
C
Cweyenberg1020@gmail.com
Other •
Although I was quite small, I remember the booths in your resort and eating popcorn with milk. Such fond memories, we all had such fun there. Also I will never forget the last lunch we shared, Judy, with my Mom and Phyl. I will forever hold it in my heart. Your Mom touched a lot of lives, I am blessed to have known her.
Cindy Weyenberg
BF
Barbara Fleming
Other •
Phyllis and Fred were members of our Forum Sunday School class at Chamblee 1st UMC when they lived in Atlanta. We loved them dearly and saw them often. I admired the gorgeous gardenias in their yard on one visit and they grew a cutting and gave it to us. It grew to a beautiful bush. When we downsized and moved 11 years ago, my husband dug it up and replanted it at our current home. It is now a huge and beautiful bush and we are always reminded of our beautiful friends, Phyllis and Fred.
AH
Ann Hammond
Other •
Phyllis and her husband, Fred, were a wonderful part of the congregation at Chamblee First UMC in Chamblee (Atlanta), GA. They were both strong leaders, warm and caring friends, and good Christians with servant hearts. Those of us who knew the Newcombs were sad when Fred died and then were sad to see Phyllis move, although we knew that was best for her and her family. What I want Phyllis's family to know is that she was dearly loved and touched many lives and hearts here in Georgia. I pray that God's gift of memories will be a blessing to each one in the family and that those cherished memories will keep Phyllis forever alive in your hearts. She will certainly always have a special place in my heart. Ann Hammond
VM
Violet Moran
Other •
Knowing you, Judy, I'm not surprised to see messages that others found your Mother to be a dear person and good friend. You and your Mom look alike and share the same wonderful qualities. I know her death was expected but I remember that it felt so definite and still sad when my Mother died from the same condition. I know you will still be talking to her every day as you have done for a long time. She was lucky and apparently deserved to have your love and devotion.
I hope you're doing well and I'll talk to you next week.
Violet Moran
DS
Dottie Smith
Other •
Phyllis was a very lovely lady and she will be missed a lot . The physical world will miss her smile, kindness & love, but the heavens have gained a new Angel. My Mother & Phyllis were dear friends, they belonged to the Forum Sunday School Class at Chamblee First United Methodist and worked many years together in the Chamblee Garden Club. Praying for the family during these difficult times.