Joan Newton

Joan (nee Pratt) Newton, 85, of Spring, Texas passed away on October 5th , surrounded by love and family.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Joan's compassion and creativity touched all who knew her.

Born on May 3, 1940, in Tacoma, Washington, Joan was the daughter of Clifford and Joy Pratt and sister to Don Pratt and late Tom Pratt. She was raised in Gig Harbor on Henderson Bay where she developed her love for the water. She attended Peninsula High School where she developed an interest in song-leading which she took with her to Central Washington University. She graduated with a Teaching degree in 1962.

On August 3rd of 1963, Joan married Fredric Newton, embarking on a lifelong partnership of 62 years rooted in devotion, laughter and happiness. This date was especially significant to her as it was also the wedding anniversary of her parents and grandparents.

Joan devoted 30 years to teaching, shaping countless young lives with her boundless patience and belief in every child's potential. Her life passions were continuous learning, traveling, reading, writing, crafting, solving puzzles, and the theater. A creative spirit and strong-willed nurturer, she was known fondly as "mother to many!"

Joan was a beautiful person without judgement of others and loved by all who knew her. She will be remembered as the friend who would turn a bad day into a good day, always with a positive twist, finding the good in everyone and every experience. Fiercely devoted to her friends and family, Joan shared great laughter, mischief, tears, deep conversations and meaningful letters with all of them. She approached life as an adventure and celebrated the beauty she saw in world.

Deeply committed to her community, Joan gave generously of her time as a volunteer for Make- A-Wish of Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, as a co-founder of King of Swing Charities, supporter of Meals on Wheels, among many others. She and Fred called on 185 MAW children with life threatening disease until covid and mobility issues stopped them from continuing.

Joan is survived by her husband, Fredric Newton; daughter, Jennifer Reitz of Port Ludlow, Washington; son, Patric Newton of Klein, Texas; brother, Don Pratt (Connie) of Enumclaw, Washington; and grandchildren, Andrew and Austin Reitz. She was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Newton and her parents, Clifford and Joy Pratt as well as her brother, Tom Pratt.

A celebration of Joan's life will be held at a later date. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all those who loved Joan and welcomed her into their lives.

"Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything"

C.S. Lewis

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Make -A -Wish Foundation of the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana in Joan's name.

The Journey continues …..