Denise J. Newman
Newman, Denise J., 54 of Wichita, died Thursday, June 9, 2005, surrounded by family and friends. Denise retired from teaching in 2004, after 31 years at USD 356 Conway Springs, KS. She was a dedicated and beloved teacher that made a difference in many students lives. Services 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 14, 2005, Eastern Star Chapel at the Kansas Masonic Home. Visitation with the family; 6:30 to 8:00 P.M., Monday, Downing Lahey East Mortuary. Survivors: Sons John Newman and David Newman; Sisters: Darla Dooms and Tracy Harvey all of Wichita, Toni Wolf of Del Ray Beach, FL. Grandchildren: Jessica Newman, Jacob Newman, Joseph Newman, Samuel Newman Abigail Newman. Memorials contributions to: Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice , 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS. 67201.
Service will be in the Eastern Star Chapel of the Kansas Masonic Home. Visitation with the family 6:30 ~ 8:00 P.M., Monday, Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
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I too had the honor of being Denise’s student–not only in the classroom, but in life. She guided me through sad and happy times with wisdom and grace. Like so many other students who came into contact with her, I also felt a special relationship with her. That was her gift–to touch people deeply. Denise was the rarest of creatures, an old soul with a young heart–a person so genuine and so full of life that anyone who came within range of her could not help but become a better person. I am saddened by her passing, but even in thinking about her a smile has found its way onto my face. She was one of a kind.
It was not until this morning I received the news Mrs. Newman had left us. She has been on my mind off and on for some time now as she is one of the people that was very instrumental in shaping my life. I was a kid from a single parent and had, to say the least, a chip on my shoulder. Where some teachers saw me as a troublemaker she was one of the few people to see through my attitude and that all I needed was someone to realize my potential. I got under her skin sometimes and I am sure she wanted to strangle me several times. This brought us closer and she helped me realize I needed to make some changes in my life. She turned me from a fighter to a class clown. She loved life and loved to laugh. Mrs. Newman cared for her students, it was not a job; we were part of her family. Where so many teachers are just simply there she made a difference. Even after my graduation I had not heard from her in 4 years when my brother passed away and other parts of my life were falling apart. She heard what was happening to me and called me to talk. We talked for nearly an hour that night. She continued to shape me and convince me I could make it through. Everything I am and everything I have I attribute to the few people like her in my life. She will truly, truly be missed. This world has lost something very, very special!
Mrs. Newman was a tremendous person, a dedicated teacher and friend to all who came in contact with her. She will be missed in and out of the classroom. My thoughts are with her family and the family of students that had the privilege of knowing and sharing time with a wonderful woman.
Mrs. Newman was an incredible teacher and person. I had the honor of being one of her students and a friend, and I will never forget her. She devoted so much time, energy and passion to her students and I hope she knew how much we appreciated her. I have great memories of the cast parties, her famous cheese dip, creative writing classes, all the books she shared, and the notes and cards she took the time to write. Mrs. Newman was never too busy for you, and she was so much fun to be around! She will be deeply missed by her students. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My prayers & thoughts are with the family. My children & my brother & sister were students of Denise’s at Conway. My sister went on to be a Drama teacher & my son recieved a Drama scholarship to college due to Denise. My son and her had a special relationship & Denise went with us to his college performances. My husband & I became close to her when she chose our son when he was in kindergarten to perform with her Cardinalaires & then again when he was in the 4th grade to preform in the musical ‘South Pacific’ with the high school. She continued to encourage him when he reached high school & he was in all of her plays. She was a tremendous influence on our son as well as all her students & was an exceptional teacher & mentor to many kids. She was ‘one of a kind’ and I feel very fortunate to have known her & to have had her as a small part of my families life. I know she will be missed greatly by all and my heart goes out to you. Here’s is a poem by Linda E. Knight sent to me recently when I lost my Mother & hope that in some way it will help you with the loss of Denise. MEMORIES KEEP THOSE WE LOVE CLOSE TO US FOREVER Athough words seem to say so little, I hope they help in some small way to ease the sense of loss that you’re experiencing today. Hold fast to your memories, To all of the cherished moments of the past, To the blessings and the laughter, The joys and the celebrations, The sorrow and the tears. They all add up to a treasure of fond yesterdays that you shared and spent together, And thy keep the one you loved close to you in spirit and thought. The special moments and memories in you life will never change. They will always be in your hert, today and forevermore. God Bless You … Jeanie Patterson
Dear Family – I am a former student of Ms. Newman. I am so sorry for the loss of such an amazing teacher & woman. I remember the first time I walked into her classroom and saw not desks, but couches & chairs. It didn’t take me long to realize how her room fit her personality so well. She always wanted people to feel comfortable around her. And she taught me to feel comfortable writing whatever was on my mind, and never judged me for what I was feeling. There was never a dull moment with Ms. Newman around. She is the only teacher I know that celebrated Shakespear’s birthday every year with a party. The world truly needs more teachers like her, but I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that. She made a difference in so many lives, and made us laugh every day. Even though it’s been a few years since I’ve spoken to her, I will never forget the red headed teacher with the cackling laugh. When I was a senior, my best friend was taken from us, and your mother/grandmother was there to listen & comfort us. But then again, she was always going beyond her job description. So I hope in some way my thoughts and prayers will comfort you, just as she did for me. God bless. We will miss her.
I just wanted to let all the family members of Mrs. Newman know how special she was to so many. She was my teacher in High School between the years of 94-97. She always took me under her wing. She holds a special part in my heart and I think I held one in hers. After graduation, her gift to my cousin and I was a trip to Wichita to see some of the things we had never seen before. She of course welcomed us into her home and took us downtown to some shops, bought us ice cream, and opened us up to a new world than our small town life. I have kept up with the news of her illness but didn’t realize she had gotten so bad. I regret not keeping in better touch. She will forever be one of my favorite teachers. God Bless.
John, David and families, When I think of Denise, I think first of her laugh. Bursts of laughter coming from the living room on nights when Chuck and Darla were over. That and Steely Dan, JJ Cale, and midnight movies at WSU — the Blues Brothers comes immediately to mind. Your mom was always interested and invested in what we were doing and I always enjoyed her company and her opinions–which were many. I remember once when I was in Law School I called from Topeka to talk to John and Denise answered. Most mothers would have asked how I was doing, made quick small talk and promised to pass on the message. Not Denise. She was so genuinely interested in how I was doing that we talked for twenty minutes. She laughed and told me she wished I’d become a teacher instead of lawyer though she promised not to hold it against me — and I appreciated the sentiment. She cared enough not to sugar coat her feelings. I could go on with more memories and more thoughts — but I’ll leave you with the thought that Denise lived a unique and genuine life, she touched many lives with her teaching (and all those damn plays) and the positive imprint she left on her family was immense. Nothing more important can be said of a life. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Marc Bennett
I am very sad to hear about Denise passing away. It has been a long time since I had seen her, but I have fond memories of when we used to visit and spend time with your family. I will miss her even though I haven’t seen her in a long time. Our prayers are with you and your family.