Sr. Maureen Ellen Newman died on July 9, 2025, at St. Joseph Residence, Seattle. She was 80 years old and served for 60 years as a Sister of Providence.
She was born into a close-knit and faith-filled Irish Catholic family on April 16, 1945, in Spokane, Washington, to Harold Benedict and Ruth Esther (Martin) Newman. She had an older sister, Alicia Kay and a younger brother, Joseph.
At a young age, she was impacted by observing others being treated unjustly. At Holy Names Academy, Seattle, she began to hear the call to Religious life and joined the Sisters of Providence in 1964, receiving First Vows in 1967 and Final Vows in 1975. She liked how the community is service oriented, forward thinking and serves the poor.
Her academic accomplishments included: BA in Education, Seattle University, 1972; and a Standard Education Certification in History, Seattle University, 1975.
Sr. Maureen always wanted to be a teacher. She loved the diversity of her students, which she found enriching. As an educator, she ministered at St. Michael School, Olympia, Washington; St. Joseph School, Vancouver, Washington; and St. Therese School, Seattle.
She was determined to live her faith and share her boundless passion for the less fortunate, spending summers working in day care centers for migrant workers, tutoring Hmong tribespeople and visiting Central America to foster justice, peace and friendship. She also ministered on the Sisters’ Leadership Team (2010-14). Her board service included Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation and Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest. She was a frequent and eager volunteer for many organizations and could be found sharing her voice and presence at rallies supporting many causes.
Sr. Maureen was blessed with a beautiful and loving smile, kindness, gratefulness and deep compassion. She cherished the journey she had been on since childhood, opposing injustice and promoting peace and non-violence. She will be immensely missed.
Her parents and two nephews, Kelly and Casey Newman preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Alicia Kay Newman; her brother, Joseph Newman; sister-in-law, Nancy Davis; her extended family; and her Religious community.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence Retirement Fund, 1801 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, Washington, 98057-9016; Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation, 2811 S. 102nd Street, Suite 220, Tukwila, Washington, 98168; or Safe Crossings Foundation, 4210 SW Oregon St, Suite H, Seattle, Washington, 98116.
To view Sr. Maureen’s obituary and picture, and to sign her memory book, please visit the website for Bonney-Watson Funeral Home at www.bonneywatson.com.