Mary Elizabeth Pelzel Newman of Selah, WA, passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on Wednesday, October 22, 2019. Mary was born in Dickenson, North Dakota, on March 17, 1922, to George Trenkenschuh and Magdelon Ott, who were original immigrants to the United States from Odessa Russia. Mary was a first-generation U.S. citizen, and in December of 1933, the family moved to the Yakima Valley, where they farmed and raised grapes. Mary spent time in the fields thinning beets, cutting asparagus, packing vegetables, and eventually working for Del Monte Cannery, where she spent 28 years. Through the offseason, Mary worked at Newberry’s Department Store.
During World War II, Mary lived in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle, WA, and worked at the Sears Roebucks catalog warehouse center, which is now the global headquarters for Starbucks Coffee. On September 6, 1945, Mary and Constantine V. Pelzel wed, and in 1961 they moved to Selah, WA. Mary and Connie had five children: Darlene, Caroline, David, Alan, and Brian. The family spent many years raising apples and eventually traded in the farm for a small grocery store, gas station, and apartment complex, affectionately known for many years as “Pelzel’s.” Connie passed away on April 25, 1979, after a short battle with cancer.
Mary remarried to Arthur J. Newman on October 5, 1981. Mary and Art lived in Selah for five years before moving back to Yakima. During their time together, Art and Mary were active volunteers, helping out at various nursing homes, working with foster kids, and taking people to and from doctor’s appointments. Art had four daughters: Cathy, Lois, Paula, and Mary. Art passed away on July 26, 1990.
Throughout her life, Mary was an avid gardener and was known for her fabulous rose garden. She was also famous for her cooking, especially her delicious cabbage rolls and German potato salad, both of which were a must-have at any family gathering. Mary was also everyone’s best friend; you could always confide your biggest secrets and know they were safe with her. In return, she would give the best, most heartfelt advice and guidance with no judgment. There indeed was never a sweeter and kinder soul than Mary. She was a true matriarch, and her family adored her and will miss her deeply.
Riverview Manor in Selah was Mary’s residence for the last twelve years of her life. The entire staff loved her like a mother or grandmother, and in return, they became part of the family. Thanks to Riverview Manor for your years of dedicated care, love, and support.
Mary was the last of her siblings to pass and is preceded in death by husbands Constantine Pelzel, and Arthur Newman, seven brothers and one sister, along with daughter Caroline Adams and son Alan Pelzel.
Mary is survived by daughter Darlene Titus, and sons David Pelzel, and Brian Pelzel; five grandchildren: Paul Adams, Ian Titus, Jeff Pelzel, Kimberly Sully, and Mechelle Pelzel; stepdaughters: Cathy Newman Leonard, Paula Newman Labernik, and Mary Baker; plus, twenty-one great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home on Monday, October 28, 2019, between 4 pm and 8 pm, with a Rosary Service at 6 pm, 1010 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA.
The memorial service will be at 10 am on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at Holy Redeemer Church, 1707 S. 3rd Ave., Yakima, WA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Mary’s name go to Catholic Charities of Central Washington, https://catholiccharitiescw.org/donation.
