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Deborah Newton Obituary
Deborah Newton, 76, died Tuesday, April 30th surrounded by family in Lake Geneva, WI after a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 7th, 1942 in Rockford, IL, Debby Lee Joan was the only child of parents Milton & Anne Linden.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Zimmer of Lake Geneva; son Brett Newton (Shane) of Chicago, IL; daughter Paige Newell (Brett) of Chesnee, SC; grandchildren Jorgan Newell (Stephanie); & Emily Newell (fiancé Trey), all of Boiling Springs, SC; uncle Ralph (Betty) Johnson of North Port, FL; former husband Roger Newton (Melody); numerous Zimmer in-laws & nieces/nephews, special life-long friends endearingly nick-named the "Magnificent 7," and cat Mario.
Deborah was a loving mother, wife, friend, artist, and an inspiration to many. She graduated in the top of her class from Rockford's East High School in 1960 and began studying art in 1968 - under Andrew Langoussis and Tom Heflin. She is honored by the Rockford Art Museum with her work in their permanent collection.
In 1984, she developed a downtown Rockford commercial building into lofts for herself and others to live, create and show their work into what became known as 317 Market Street. She orchestrated this enterprise for over 20 years and along with other local pioneers, helped re-establish vitality into downtown. With Mr. Zimmer she developed other unique properties nearby and in Lake Geneva.
On Saturday June 29th (noon), a celebration of her life will be held at Bethesda Covenant Church, Rockford, IL (815) 397-4212. Visitation 1hr prior. Guests are invited to share tributes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deborah Newton Trust via the church. Details at www.derrickfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Newton
Sponsored by Derrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
4 Entries
Daniel Gesmer
July 10, 2019
I first met Deb at the 317 Market Street Gallery that she daringly (and nearly single-handedly) created in the mid-1980s in Rockford, Illinois. 317 was a fantastically progressive space that brought together untold numbers of Rockford-area artists and art lovers. The unique multi-story gallery / studio complex and its creator made all of us feel that we were part of a warm and welcoming community where all forms of creative expression were encouraged. Deb was an unusually gifted and still not fully appreciated painter of vibrantly-sensuous, large-scale abstract oils-on-canvas. She also selflessly championed the work and careers of countless other visual and performing artists in the greater Rockford region. In my case, she was one of the first who understood and supported my eclectic vision as a skateboard artist. In 1988, she even produced a formal gallery-style gathering at a historic indoor roller rink, where I presented a lecture-demonstration to the Rockford arts community. Deb's warm, colorful, vivacious, gracious yet indomitable spirit will gratefully live on through all who knew and loved her. Until we meet again, dear friend!
May 10, 2019
Her special talent is now gone but some of her art will be on display for years to come. Rest in peace Deb. Jackie Danielsen
Anne Remington
May 8, 2019
I was just thinking this morning that today was Deb's birthday. I never expected to read her obituary later. What a sad time for her family and friends. No one could have left a better legacy for the arts in our area. She lived her dream and made other's dreams come true too. I'm one of them. A person like Deb, who was, is and always will be a force of nature, does not fade from the memories of those people they touched along the way and her contribution to the art world locally lives on. May God bless and comfort all of you.
Sheryl Warner
May 7, 2019
Rest In Peace my artist friend.
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