Marilyn Patricia Newman

Marilyn Patricia Newman, 81, passed peacefully in the embrace of family on October 26. She was born June 28, 1938 in Lasalle, Quebec, Canada to Stanley and Dorothy (McCabe) Hayward. On January 7, 1961, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milwaukie, Oregon, she married Lawrence F. Newman, whose death preceded hers by two years. Patricia was also preceded in death by her sister, Joan Saray.

Together Patricia and Lawrence had two children. Patricia is survived by both sons, H. Robert (Helen) of Spring, Texas and Michael (Elizabeth) of Raleigh, North Carolina. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Irene, David, Kyle, and Patrick; and step-granddaughter, Ashley (Joel) Looney.

Overcoming the death of her mother, Patricia graduated from Mount Royal High School in Montreal in 1955. Embracing her adventurous spirit, at the age of 20, she left Canada and explored the United States by Greyhound bus until she reached the Pacific Coast, settling in Laguna Beach, California. It was there where she met her husband, Lawrence, who was a Marine officer at Camp Pendleton.

After marriage, Patricia and Lawrence lived in Laguna Beach, Montecito, Santa Maria, San Francisco, Fremont, and San Jose, California. Patricia raised two sons, proudly became a naturalized U.S. citizen, volunteered with the Kiwanis Club of San Jose, and for nearly 30 years, she worked as a purchasing agent and manager for FMC and BAE Systems supporting the production of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. After Lawrence’s death ended 56 years of marriage, Patricia relocated to The Woodlands, Texas, where her friendly and outgoing demeanor brought new friends into her life.

Patricia was always eager to engage, whether with family, friend, or stranger, making all feel welcomed and worthy of attention. She was tough and resilient, and ever positive, whether attending to her sick and dying mother in high school, battling breast cancer for over 25 years, or enduring dozens of surgeries. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren, a constant and supportive fixture at all their activities, which brought her mountains of joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Patricia will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday November 29 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Portland, Oregon. Interment will follow at 1:30 PM at Willamette National Cemetery, Happy Valley, Oregon. Calvary Hill Funeral Home in Humble, Texas and Ross Hollywood Chapel in Portland are assisting the family.