Mary Patricia Newell

Mary Patricia Newell Pat Newell passed away peacefully on January 2, 2006, in Walnut Creek at the age of 88. Pat was born on March 17, 1917 in Seattle, Washington to Leo and Ruth Kearns. She always celebrated her St. Patrick's Day birthday with relatives and friends who appreciated her warmth, friendliness, and good humor. As a young child, Pat moved to Oakland with her family and attended local schools, graduating from Oakland High School as Valedictorian of her class in 1934. She received a full scholarship to Mills College, but attended for her freshman year only. She transferred to the University of California, Berkeley where she was very active in student activities and continued receiving recognition for her outstanding academic performance. She was elected to the Prytanean Honorary Society and made many lasting friendships through this organization. Pat graduated from UC in 1938 and continued to be an active supporter of her class. She was also a life member of the UC Alumni Association. Pat married Clint Newell in July, 1938. She and Clint lived in Oakland during their early married years and were devoted members of the Oakland First Presbyterian Church. In 1951, they moved to Lafayette with their two children and Pat became involved in many community organizations. Pat was a lifelong learner, taking many classes and sharing her talents in many volunteer capacities. She assisted in the local schools and earned her California Teaching Credential in 1967. Pat was active in the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, and was deeply involved as a docent at the Oakland Museum. She also helped to establish the special Museum on Wheels School Program. Pat enjoyed gardening, playing tennis, going to the theater, traveling and entertaining friends and relatives. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton Edgar Newell and sister, Ruth Kearns. She is survived by her daughter Gail Brekke and her husband Ted of Walnut Creek; son Lee Newell and his wife Kathy of Carmel Valley; grandchildren Kristin Brekke, Elizabeth and Travers Newell, Freya and Blake Peter, Ted Sivley and Deborah Etienne. A private family service will be held. Memorial donations may be sent to the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, CA 94549 or the Oakland Museum of California Docent Council, 1000 Oak Street, Oakland, CA 94607.