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Karin Newton Obituary
Elegant, gracious, curious, insightful, and simply lovely in every way: that was our Karin. She left us March 5 in San Francisco, after a brief illness. She is survived by her loving partner, Douglas Hallinan, with whom she had 40 years of adventures; her siblings Janelle, Bruce (Laura) and Mark (Mary Jan); her nephews Keith and Scott; her stepmother Joyce Newton and her daughters Susan and Barbara. She is predeceased by parents Charles and Rita Newton.
Thanks to a military upbringing, Karin was a world traveller at a young age. She graduated from Palo Alto High and San Francisco State, with a stint at UC Santa Cruz in between. A longtime resident of San Francisco's Inner Sunset, she explored the City for 40 years, and knew its best walks, obscure neighborhood delights and secret eateries. She met Doug at his European-style coffee house, the Marigold (9th Ave.), in the 1970s, and brought a hint of glamour and mystery to the simple task of serving cappuccinos and light meals. Some of her dearest friends date to the Marigold's heyday.
Karin's professional career took off at the legal publishing firm Matthew Bender (1984-2009). She had friends on both coasts thanks to her long and rewarding career there.
Retirement brought new rewards: time to savor literature, music, long walks and fabulous meals with Doug, Janelle and friends. She had a ready list of books she wanted you to read; her recommendations were impeccable. The early globetrotting planted a seed, and she was always ready to plan new adventures. Highlights included trips to France, Italy, Turkey, Sicily, and Hawaii.
Because she gave her all to those she loved, Karin was easy to spoil. Doug cooked all their meals, Janelle kept her company on long walks, Margie made her beautiful ceramic art, Lori and Bill made sure she had all the log-cabin time she needed, and her nephews learned at a young age that Aunt Karin expected them to kiss her royal hand (a joke they turned back on her as they grew into their Newton sense of humor). She brought the mien of a princess to our humble circle, and we loved her all the more for it.
Services will be March 15, 11am, at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 1500 Mission Rd, Colma.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to International Rivers (www.internationalrivers.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Margie Grisz-Dow
April 6, 2015
Karin, I am with you every day. Be with Isabel now, and always...I.know you will. I miss you too much, even though I feel your loving presence.
Izzy misses you tons.oxo From the three of us. bientôt, mon amie.
Andy Westley
April 17, 2014
I just learned of Karin's untimely passing... what a loss. We worked together many years ago at Matthew Bender. Karin was lovely, considerate, and a wonderful colleague. The sentiments shared in this online guestbook are a testament to what an extraordinary individual Karin was.
Nancy Sweers Woelk
April 6, 2014
Today I saw Karin's name on Legacy. I am not sure why I felt the need to google her name, but I feared the worst when she wrote last spring to say she could not get together with me or my husband Guy when we were visiting San Francisco. I am still in shock that one so Beautiful and young has passed.
Karin and I met at Palo Alto HS in 1965....both military brats. We connected immediately, shared classes, spent time together with outings to SF and skipped school going to the foothills in Palo Alto with Karin telling me I had to visit Italy someday as the scenery was reminiscent of her days there with her family. We were the best of friends!
Time moved on......I moved back to the bay area with my 2 children and Guy in 1974. Saw Karin frequently there while we were both looking for jobs, going to school and Irish pubs! Remember Karin at Marigold's with her white apron ;) and Palo Alto when we returned from the east coast in the 80's to visit my parents. We lost touch, but reconnected several times over the years by phone.
I have wonderful pictures of Karin and memories that will never leave me. There is so much to say......but foremost, you will be missed!
Here is to you, "Karin-ovna".....a nickname she had when we were reading "Crime and Punishment" in H.S. Such a wonderful human being full of wit and humor.
Will always think of you and your beautiful smile, Karin.
With sincerest sympathy to your Doug, your sister Janelle, and your brothers Charles and Mark. Please feel free to contact me, any of you, if you have the time.
With love,
Nancy Sweers Woelk and Guy
Maybury Hill
Princeton, NJ
[email protected]
Margie Grisz-Dow
April 5, 2014
Dear Karin, I have gone through a few days recently, without breaking down and sobbing. I miss you. I turn around to call you with a funny anecdote, or to remind you to come have tea...or to tell you something about Isabel....and then I feel the
emptiness, sadness, loneliness hit me in the chest like a bomb. No one
will replace your knowing look, that glint of trouble and wisdom of fine council in your blueness of eyes. Like Lori said, "The blue lasers." I am with you, Sister. Today is one
month. Love, Margie
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Deidra Egan
March 16, 2014
Feeling great waves of love and strength for all who were touched by this lovely person. Sending embraces to all the family and friends.
Bill Pottinger
March 13, 2014
Though we all are heartbroken by your sudden departure, I find comfort knowing I will see you often in the coming years, in the eyes and hearts of all your loving family and friends. We love you dear Karin.
Cindy Dughi
March 13, 2014
Janelle - the loss of a sister is so tragic. She is the one who you have shared your secrets with your whole life, who you have kept secrets from others with and who know your secrets without you even telling them. Know that she will always be in your heart and when you think she is with you because of a hummingbird you see or a song you hear - SHE IS! She will rustle the leaves and blow the wind in your hair - just to say hello - you will soon be able to say hello without a tear - on that day - smile.
I am thinking of you,
Cindy from Access
Duncan Dow
March 13, 2014
Karin was a special compassionate lovely person, my wife's best friend, and very special to our daughter, Isabel.
Karin, you are not replaceable, and we miss dearly.
Margie Grisz-Dow
March 12, 2014
Dear Karin Leah, I am missing you now, my dear dear dearest best pal, but I am trying to pull it together to pray for you, supporting the journey you are now on. Be brave, you can do it. There is so much love radiating toward you at this moment. We have a candle burning
at home for you all day long, and have you constantly in our hearts. You are with me dear one, forever.
Lori Pottinger
March 12, 2014
Sure miss you KK!! Thought of you as I looked across the glassy blue bay tonight... You will always be with me, dearest friend-- thank you for being such a great friend.
Lucy Oliver Campbell
March 12, 2014
I worked with Karin during the years of her career with Matthew Bender. She was a lovely, kind, and special lady.
Julie Fisher
March 12, 2014
Karin was one of a kind, compassionate, always interesting, a sly sense of humor, so smart, too young to leave us. I treasure the years I worked with her. I know she will be terribly missed by her family and friends; my deepest sympathy to them all.
March 12, 2014
I want to extend my sympathies for the loss of Karin. What a lovely write up. I always love the thought that God is close to the broken hearted. May you find comfort at this difficult time.
Claudia Gurevich
March 12, 2014
Karin was a lovely and thoughtful lady, and I enjoyed working with her. I am very sorry to hear of her passing.
S. Revell
March 12, 2014
I worked with Karin for over 20 years at Matthew Bender/LexisNexis and am so saddened to hear of her passing. She was a lovely person, fun to talk to, and great to work with. I still miss talking to her about travel.
Sol Flores
March 11, 2014
Karin was kind, caring and loving with her vintage smile. Will always remember her that way.
Rob Bae
March 11, 2014
Working with Karin at Matthew Bender for over 10 years has been both an honor & a privilege, for which I am very grateful.
Peggy Fallon
March 11, 2014
I was deeply saddened to learn of Karin's untimely passing. My warmest condolences go out to Doug, Janelle, and all of the other Newtons. Please know you are in my thoughts.
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