Nancy Ann Newman

A loving mother, grandmother, partner, and friend. Her cooking brought everyone to the table, and her love and laughter kept everyone there. Nancy Ann Newman (Hean), 86, Campbell, CA, passed away on January 21 finally succumbing to Alzheimer's Disease.

Nancy was born in Long Beach, CA, the daughter of James Halleck Hean and Nina Lloyd Hean (Lewin). She was the younger of their two children and the apple of her father's eye. Nancy loved to tell stories about growing up on Naval bases in California and Virginia. She particularly treasured the memory of her father, a naval aviator, taking her flying. Nancy had a fighting spirit, no doubt born from an early childhood accident where she suffered numerous broken bones and severe burns to her right hand. She was treated at Bethesda Hospital, now Walter Reed, where she underwent numerous surgeries and skin grafts. The experience shaped her never give up attitude. Her oft uttered motto to her children when facing difficulties was, "We can do anything!"

Nancy studied elementary education at Cal State University Chico before transferring to Cal State University Long Beach where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1962. She particularly treasured the two semesters she studied abroad in Europe with a group of fellow Chico students nicknamed "El Grupo." The group stayed in touch through the years and Nancy enjoyed attending their reunions immensely.

Nancy began her career in teaching as a preschool educator in Southern California, but the birth of her two children, caused her to place her teaching career on hold. In the early 1980s, while living in Littleton, CO, and her children in elementary school, Nancy obtained her drafting certificate. She relocated to Rohnert Park, CA in 1984 and began her drafting career supporting both electrical and mechanical engineering departments. Nancy ultimately became a configuration manager and retired in 2007. Notable places of employment included Microsource, Polycom, and L3. Nancy tough-loved the engineers she supported and prided herself in her technical accuracy that earned their mutual love and respect in return.

Nancy had two children, Vicki Gemetti (Newman) and David Newman. They were her entire world. She spent countless hours driving them to gymnastics and soccer. She taught them to swim, to cook, and how to be resilient. Nancy became a single mother when they were 10 and 8. The family was small, but mighty. Food was paramount and she liked to say both her children surpassed her in their culinary skills, though they both disagreed on that point.

Nancy's three grandchildren, Emily Gemetti, Patrick Gemetti, and Kyle Newman were her greatest passion and her retirement purpose. She moved to Campbell, CA in 2011, in part to be nearer to them. Nancy treasured her time with her grandkids and loved being their Nanny. She was everything a loving grandparent should be: baking cookies, reading stories, and being the loudest cheerleader at countless soccer, softball, baseball, and hockey games. Many afternoons after school and summer breaks were spent at Nanny's house where favorites like french toast or eggs and toast were regularly served. Perhaps Nancy's greatest gift as a grandparent was providing a stable home for Kyle when his own parents weren't able to do so.

Nancy was fortunate to meet Willem van Mastrigt, Bill, over 30 years ago. The two were together 28 years. She is the finest spirit I've ever known and my best friend. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She was always busy. An avid reader, a fantastic cook, with time for many outdoor adventures. She was an accomplished tole painter spending innumerable hours with brush in hand creating beauty in many different forms. Resilient to the end. Always caring and giving, not a slander was ever heard.

Nancy loved her furry babies like the treasured members of the family they were. She even cooked for them and had a special song she would sing them at meal time. Nancy enjoyed her daily walks in the neighborhood with her Brandy and later Elsa. They were her constant companions.

Nancy was lucky to have a 50 plus year friendship with Bill and Linda Jack. They met in 1973 in a new parent group. From New Year's Eves together when their children were small to weekend visits together when they weren't spending time with their grandchildren, they were together through it all. Nancy was so grateful for their love and support through all the trials and tribulations of raising a family. She considered herself blessed the friendship lasted as aging and distance made visiting harder.

Nancy was fond of tole painting and her home was decorated with many of her pieces. She particularly loved painting for her family and was so proud to create items for her grandchildren. She loved to travel, visiting many European countries during the time she lived in Prima Porta, Italy, with her family from 1979-1980. She and her partner enjoyed camping and visited many state and national parks.

Nancy will always be remembered for her love of cooking. It brought and kept the family together and many meals were enjoyed around her table. Her peanut butter fudge, ice cream pie, and spaghetti carbonara were particular favorites. We'll always remember her saying "Life is short, eat dessert first." We couldn't have asked for a better mother, grandmother, and partner and we'll miss Nancy every day. Her loving memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Nancy was preceded in death by her son David Newman and her sister Nina Spradling. She is survived by her long time partner Willem van Mastrigt, daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Tom Gemetti, grandchildren Emily and Patrick Gemetti and Kyle Newman, and her niece and nephew Debbie and Rocky Spradling.

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held March 22, 2026 at 3:00 at Darling & Fischer, 231 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell.

Donations in Nancy's memory may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or any dementia support organization of your choice.