Kathryn Mary Newman
July 10, 1944 - May 25, 2025
Funeral Details: A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ivy Presbyterian Church, 5067 20th Sideroad, Thornton on June 7, 2025 at 11 a.m.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ~Col 3:3,4
Never has there been a person so full of anticipation for the next life as Kathryn Mary Newman. For several months before she left this world, she would wonder aloud, filled with curiosity about what she might experience in heaven. That she had no fear of death, only genuine trust that it would be beautiful, speaks to her abiding faith in God. Her faith was simple, childlike – the kind of faith that is elusive to most of us, yet came so naturally and easily to her. Despite three bouts with cancer, a stroke, and other struggles in life, her trust in God’s goodness and love has remained steadfast.
And so, in this place of deep trust and faith in God, death seemed simply an opportunity to at last live fully in God’s presence where she had longed to be her whole life. Of course, this explains, too, why she had always believed that a funeral should actually be a celebration, long before celebrations of life became a trendy phrase. She would never wear black to a funeral, as if in mourning; anything but black was an acceptable colour, in her mind. Meeting God was to be celebrated!
Her warmth and care for others was unparalleled and emerged out of the beauty of knowing herself loved by God and a desire to envelope others in that same love. So many have known the love of the Father and been drawn into relationship with him through her ministry of love and practical care for people, whether it was running VBS, hosting and feeding neighbourhood children, curating the church library, or throwing countless wedding and baby showers for church members, friends, and family.
She gave of herself freely to others and oh how richly blessed we were to be recipients of her presence in our lives. She loved her family and the community around her so very well.
If we could carry on her legacy with even a fraction of this beautiful presence to others, being attentive to their needs, selflessly giving of ourselves practically and emotionally — so like Jesus! – we would not only honour her life but be transformed in the process.
We carry profound sadness for our loss of this uniquely beautiful, godly woman while also holding great joy for what she is now experiencing – the eternal celebration that she had so looked forward to joining. Kathryn Mary Newman (née Duncanson) is survived by her beloved husband Winston, her children Rob (Nancy), Sharon (Mark), Cindy (Glenn), and Jon (Maria), grandchildren Mitchell (Dianne), Emily, Sarah (Henry), Tim (Mari Carmen), Eli, Joel, Julia, Josh, Noah, Michaela, Theo, and Sofia, and great grandchildren Nolan, Ellie, Hazel, and Henry Jr.
Please join us for her Celebration of Life, wearing celebratory colours – anything but black – to celebrate both the beautiful life that our Kathryn Mary lived here on earth and the perfect life she is now living with God in Christ.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ivy Presbyterian Church, 5067 20th Sideroad, Thornton on June 7, 2025 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow.
Donations in her memory can be made to Hospice Simcoe: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=665e6751-8130-433c-a9e1-baaeec21aa25&envid=p-yKIyt_hqlkeARBjgc5rV5w&zone=can
Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Jennifer VanBodegom
Posted on: Thursday, May 29, 2025Much love to your family in this painful time. I only met Kathryn a few times in my teen years but she was a lovely, kind woman. Knowing she is at peace with Jesus is what comforts us through our grief , but that doesn’t make it hurt any less. Big hugs for all. <3
Wendy Schellenberg
Posted on: Thursday, May 29, 2025“Well done, thou good and faithful servant” at peace now, Cathy leaves a legacy of love and service. We are thinking of all of you as you celebrate Cathy as wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, great grandma and friend. May each of you find comfort in a life well lived and loved.
Ralph & Rosalba Braden
Posted on: Thursday, May 29, 2025We send our condolences to Winston and the entire family. It seems all that we can do even though Kathy has meant so much to us in the several years she has been our friend. The example of her strong faith has taught us a great deal over that time.
May our Lord comfort all who love and miss her.
David Steele
Posted on: Thursday, May 29, 2025Condolences to Winston and family. She was a wonderful, kind lady. May God welcome her with open arms.
Anna Nicassio
Posted on: Thursday, May 29, 2025Very sorry for your loss. I wish I had met her sooner. She is definitely watching over all her children and grandkids and great grandchildren. God bless her.
BARRY ROWLAND
Posted on: Thursday, May 29, 2025Our sincere condolences, Winston to you and your family on your loss. We have many fine memories of you and Kathy from your days in Toronto and your kindness to the Rowland family.
She was so strong in her faith and Christian values. Certainly something that many of us could emulate during our own lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
al clarkson
Posted on: Thursday, May 29, 2025It was a joy to have known the Newman family for over 4 decades; First, as a PYPS leader in the 80s, as the Newmans brought an enthusiastic youth group (including their children) from York Memorial to Presbytery and Synod PYPS events. As we all got a little older (and wiser?), to see Kathryn enjoying the thrill of grand-motherhood, and along with Winston, connecting with a ministry called Dunamis Fellowship Canada we shared in. And was retiring to Barrie a barrier for a Torontonian to still visit? Nope! Grateful to learn of the Duncanson family story in both Canada and her childhood in Guyana, and then of an even happier GREAT Grandmother (the grandchildren will note they felt she was great before their families grew!) in later years. Like the energizer bunny, Kathy was active, despite her health setbacks. But she has finished this course of the Eternal race; I was glad to have known her, and await to meet again. GOD BLESS!
Jackie Niven
Posted on: Thursday, May 29, 2025Heartfelt condolences to Winston and the entire family. I like to think
My Mom and Kathy are catching up with a lovely cup of tea. Geoff and I are so thankful we had a nice catch up last year at York Memorial Anniversary
Norm Newlands
Posted on: Thursday, May 29, 2025I don’t know if everyone got to see it but I loved Kathy’s sense of humour…she surprised me a number of times. There is no question that the World is a better place because she was in it. It was truly an honour for me to get to know Kathy, Winston and all of their family! Without question she will be missed!!
Sincerely, Norm ❤️
Nikolina Mizdrak
Posted on: Friday, May 30, 2025Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May the memories you have of your mother help you through this difficult time.
Nikolina and Doug
Sharon Homem
Posted on: Saturday, May 31, 2025Our sincerest condolences to all the Family and friends
The Homem Family
Keith Emerson Boyer and Carolyn
Posted on: Saturday, May 31, 2025We are so sad yet happy for this loss, yet gain for Kathy.. We treasure our many breakfast gatherings with Kathy and Winston, the laughter and serious, reflective, honest conversations we had while enjoying breakfast delights. Thanks, Winston, for sharing Kathy’s journey with us. You act the joy of HOPE not just the words but the real deal… xoxox