JoAnne Newton

JoAnne Elizabeth Newton passed away on August 21, 2023, in Rockport, Texas. She was born on April 5, 1942, an Easter Sunday, in San Antonio, Texas. JoAnne was a beloved wife, mother, sibling, and friend, and leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

JoAnne was known for her generous and playful nature, always bringing laughter and joy to those around her. She had a great sense of humor and a loving heart that touched the lives of many and was not afraid to laugh at herself. Her pride in her family was evident, and she leaves behind her children, Richard Newton (Bonnie) of Toronto Canada; Stephen Newton (Estella) of San Jose, California; and James Newton (Christine) of Raleigh, North Carolina. She also leaves behind her siblings, Gene Felkner and Donna Dickinson, and her grandchildren Emma, Michael, Cori, Ava, Ian, and Graeme.

JoAnne was preceded in death by her husband Richard Newton, her father, George Felkner, her mother, Dora Felkner (nee McHugh), and her brother, Robert Felkner. She held these relationships close to her heart and cherished the memories they shared together.

In her educational journey, JoAnne graduated from Evergreen Valley College in San Jose, California.

JoAnne grew up in San Antonio, Texas where she graduated from Brackenridge High School. But her real passion was spending her weekends and summers at her family's coast house in Fulton, Texas.

JoAnne met the love of life, Richard Newton when he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston. They married on September 8, 1962 at Holy Rosary Church in San Antonio Texas. Once they were married, they bought a home in San Jose, California where she worked and raised a family before retiring and moving back to Rockport Texas in 1999.

As a working mother, JoAnne worked with dedication and passion. Beginning as a keypunch operator, she continued to hone her skills eventually becoming a computer programmer and systems analyst. She made valuable contributions to various companies, including Revlon, Adidas, Businessland, Anthem Electronics, Zenger Miller, and finally BCI.

Outside of her professional life, JoAnne had a passion for genealogy and travel and visited Europe several times. One of JoAnne's greatest joys was visiting Rockport Texas where she spent as much time as possible. JoAnne also had a special love for the Christmas season and was known for her full trees and potent eggnog.

The funeral services for JoAnne Newton took place at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home on Sunday August 27, 2023. Another service will be held in California before she is laid to rest next to her husband at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

JoAnne will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her loving nature, sense of humor, and generosity will forever be remembered. May her soul rest in peace, and may her loved ones find comfort in the cherished memories they shared with JoAnne.