Obituary of Caroline C. Newell

Caroline Cole Newell, 90, of 17 Birchwood Drive, Fredonia, NY died Wednesday, August 2, 2017, in Heritage Village Rehab and Skilled Nursing, Gerry, NY. Born on March 7, 1927, in Sturgis, MI, she was the youngest child of the late Harry and Elma Pfenning Cole and was very proud to tell everyone she met that she was raised in Kalamazoo, MI. A 1945 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, she continued her education at Syracuse University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design in 1949. She was a member of Tau Epsilon, the Interior Decoration Honorary Society and was the 1948 recipient of the "Junior Cup" as the outstanding Interior Design student. She spoke of her love for Syracuse University throughout her life. During World War II she worked in the Gibson war plant in Kalamazoo and in 1946, she was employed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory as a schematic draftsman. Well into her 80's Caroline worked as an artist, watercolorist, and calligrapher and at age 88 was still participating in art shows at the Chautauqua Institution. She served as church secretary at both the First United Methodist Church and Immanuel United Methodist Church, in Camillus, NY from 1965-1977. Her combined love for tree and wildflower identification and art came together in numerous programs with the East Hill Elementary School in Camillus, NY where she taught nature art classes. She and her late husband Royce were founding members of Immanuel United Methodist Church where Caroline served as the first woman trustee, was selected to serve on the Bishop's Advisory Committee, was a leader of numerous committees, created a highly successful house tour fundraising program, and was a member of the altar guild and choir. She also taught 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School, served as a camp counselor at Casowasco, the Central New York Methodist Conference summer camp for youth, and served as leader to Immanuel's Methodist Youth Fellowship for many years. Surviving are two children William (Linda) Newell of Liverpool, NY and Julie Newell of Fredonia and two grandchildren Katharine (Ryan) Conwell and Jeffrey Newell. She was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Royce Newell, whom she married on August 7, 1949 and who died on February 3, 2006; a brother Richard Cole and a sister Marion Cole Siegfried. Caroline's interests and passions were many and eclectic. She was a devoted and vocal fan of all Syracuse University sports, especially football, basketball, and lacrosse as well as a huge fan of the Buffalo Bills. She was a trained classical singer, cellist, and pianist, and her love of classical music continued throughout her life. She was famous for her gardens both at home and at Immanuel Methodist Church, and passionate about the needs of animal welfare organizations. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 27, 2017, at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 303 Kasson Rd, Camillus, NY 13031. Friends will be received in the Fireside Room of the church following the service. Memorials may be made to Immanuel United Methodist Church, 303 Kasson Rd, Camillus, NY 13031. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.