Suzanne Marie "Schoen" Newton

1946 - 2023

Tucson - Suzanne Marie Newton (Schoen) (b, Jan 11, 1946 - d Nov 2, 2023) was a loving wife and mother. She had a life-time interest in literature, fabric arts and politics. She was a parishioner at St Peter's Catholic Church, attended John Ireland Elementary and graduated St. Peter High (1964) with Annie Martell. Her family knew the family of Civil War Historian James McPherson. Suzanne's grew up in single parent household with her mother working at the National Food store in town, still she graduated from Mankato State University, with a Major in Political Science and a Minor Library Science in 3-1/2 years (1967). Following the Miller family DFL connections, Suzanne moved to Washington, D.C. to work on the Humphrey Campaign and at the DNC headquarters in the Watergate. She met Michael Newton at Georgetown University when she worked in the Libraries and he was a graduate student, married in 1969, and in 1974, Peter was born. In Northern Virginia, Suzanne was active in the local quilting scene, winning awards. In 1980, all moved to Chattanooga, Tn, where Suzanne volunteered in Peter's schools, League of Women Voters, Chattanooga Women's Club and, and was featured in the local Press for a holiday grift drive for a local Women's shelter. After Peter went to college, Sue became a Volunteer Coordinator within Chattanooga City School System and Girls, Inc. In 1994, a brief move to Kingman, Az, then followed five great years in New Orleans. Sue was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, while Manager of the campus store at the University of Holy Cross. In 2000, Mike and Suzanne moved to Tucson for Sue's health, care of Mike's father, and job opportunities. Suzanne returned to being active in Democratic politics as a volunteer, then elected Precinct Committee person, then Legislative District Chair, and State Committee Member, following Peter's lead. She served as an Officer in the Pima County Nucleus Club and volunteered each week at the County Party. She organized candidate events for the back yard. In all Sue & Mike lived in Tucson over the 23+ years. After retirement travel was restricted due to Suzanne's increasing frailty, and consisted of a trip to Washington State to meet her half-siblings and families. Just prior to COVID, Mike & Suzanne visited Southern California for their 50th wedding anniversary. They did return to St Peter to arrange care for Francis Irene Schoen, her mother. She is survived by her husband Michael, son Peter, half-brother Royal Schoen and half-sister Robin Schoen-Nessa, and their families. The Family asks in lieu of Flowers, that donations be made to San Xavier Del Bac Mission. https://sanxaviermission.org/support-us-1