Mary Jane Newell

Mary J. Newell, 91, wife of Jerry E. Newell, of Halfmoon, NY, passed away January 12 2025 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center. 

 Born October 25, 1933, in Bangor, ME, she was the daughter of late Ruth M. Parker and Erle St. John Parker. 

 Mary graduated from Danforth High School where, at 5’2” she was a star basketball player. She studied accounting at college in Maine before moving with her husband, Richard P. Neal, to several states for his military service before settling in Clifton Park, NY. A long-time attendee of the Shenendehowa United Methodist Church, she had many friends and was a vital member of the church choir. In addition to raising her two sons, Mary worked at the Telephone Company, sold home goods for The Fuller Brush Company as well as World Book Encyclopedia. In 1973, the family moved to Halfmoon, NY, where Mary worked as a bookkeeper for several construction companies, was an associate at the Carl Company followed by working at Hollandale Apartments in Clifton Park. After being widowed in 1976, Mary remarried in 2005 to Jerry E. Newell. They enjoyed annual camping trips to Florida, across America, and to Acadia National Park in Maine visiting many relatives and friends, including many made on their trips. Music and a love of the English language and wordplay was a large part of Mary’s life, and she loved to sing, play piano and organ. She was an avid cook, baker, and a diligent record keeper of finances, travel and life events, and annotating recipes for future reference, e.g., “remove smoke alarm!!” on a “delicious!” broiled chicken recipe. 

 She is survived by husband Jerry, sons Michael and Scott, his wife Andrea, and granddaughters Katelyn and Halle. 

 She was predeceased by her husband Richard and her brother John. 

 Services are private, pending a family memorial later this year. 

 Donations may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or other philanthropic cause. 

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