Mary Agnes Newman

She was proceeded in death by her father, Clemens Newman and mother, Agnes Newman (Walenstein).

She is survived by her, daughter; Susan Brandstetter, grandchildren; Ada and Beck Brandstetter, brother; Dr Daniel Newman and nieces; Dr Katie Newman and Annie Newman.

Mary grew up in Ishpeming, Michigan and attended Ishpeming High School. She was a loyal Hematite and though she moved from Ishpeming she always had a large piece of hematite residing with her wherever she lived. Her father, Clemons Newman, made several pieces of fine furniture using hematite and other ores mined in the UP which Mary humbly displayed in her home. After high school Mary studied at Gustavus Adolphus College and graduated from Michigan State University. After college Mary moved to Chicago and spent most of her professional life as a lab technician at Children’s Memorial Hospital and ran her own landscaping business, Scenery Cleanery. Following retiring from CMH and landscaping Mary opened City Scene Bed and Breakfast in Lincoln Park. Though Mary settled in Lincoln Park, her favorite place on earth was the family camp in the UP. Camp started out as a deer hunting cabin built by her father as a teenager on the shores of Horseshoe Lake. It didn’t have electricity, running water or heat. Over the years Mary and her brother, Daniel, made some additions, added indoor plumbing, gas and electricity. Mary cherished sharing this lovely place with her family. She lived for her grandchildren and they adored her. And, though they were the light of her life, Mary also treasured the lifelong friends she made at CMS, in her Sheffield neighborhood and beyond. She and her friends enjoyed attending live theatre (especially Steppenwolf Theatre), going to the opera, dinner/garden parties, celebrating holidays and each other’s life events. Mary was an avid reader and enjoyed public radio.

But, most of all, Mary was a truly beautiful human being. Her friends and family will miss her compassion, quiet strength, generosity and wit.

There will be a memorial service for Mary in the Spring. The time and place will be communicated at a later date.