Kaleoppe Fern Newell

Kaleoppe Fern Newell VIRGINIA BEACH - Kaleoppe Fern Newell passed away Feb. 14, 2009. "Dolly" to her family and friends will be remembered and greatly missed. Dolly was born Dec. 31, 1923, in Pennsylvania, and was the youngest of three children of Anthony and Laura Ketsules. The family moved to the sleepy resort town of Virginia Beach, where Anthony "Tony" who had emigrated from Greece, opened the Paramount Restaurant on the corner of 18th Street and Atlantic Avenue. The Ketsules family went on to own various businesses in Virginia Beach including a small motel. Virginia Beach was a Navy town, and of all of the sailors in town, Dolly chose Arthur Newell to be her husband Dec. 20, 1942. Arthur or "Doc" preceded her in death Feb. 15, 2000, and was buried at sea near Virginia Beach where he would remain close by Dolly in her later years. After World War II, along with work, Doc and Dolly enjoyed life and were the type of couple who could crash a party of strangers, and end up sitting at the table and having the most fun. In 1958, as family and friends were expanding their families, Dolly had her only child, Patrick. Life changed, and Dolly and her family finally settled in St. Joseph, Mich., and resided there for many years. Dolly worked as an administrative assistant for the Berrien County Court System for more than 25 years, where she trained many of her bosses. Dolly built lifelong friendships in Michigan while employed with Berrien County. Dolly returned to Virginia Beach in 2001, after her husband, Doc, passed away. She wanted to be with her sister, June Ellen (Jay) Noden. "Aunt Dolly" was welcomed home to Virginia Beach. Dolly was an active woman well into her 70s and then 80s. She was always "39 years old and holding," with attractive jewelry, make-up and clothing. Dolly was active in family events, joined a church family, and enjoyed the theatre and other local activities. Dolly was preceded in death by her brother, Theodore "Teddy" Ketsules, who resided in Florida. Dolly is survived by her Virginia Beach family; June Noden, and nieces and nephews, Patricia Noden, Thomas Noden, and James "Jimmy" Noden and his wife Maureen. A son, Patrick Newell and his wife Kathy reside in Grand Rapids, Mich. A celebration of Dolly's life will be held for family, friends and coworkers Saturday in Virginia Beach Community Chapel. Instead of flowers, the family requests making a donation in Dolly's name to the charity of your choice. Altmeyer Funeral Home, Southside Chapel, handled the arrangements.