Dorothy Newshan

She is predeceased by her parents, Sophie and Ernest Johnson and her husband of 21 years, Howard. She is survived by her four children (Joyce (George); Joanne (Richard); Gayle (Marc); and Martin (Millie), 10 grandchildren: Matthew (Caitlin), Adam, Samantha (Brian), Caitlin (Sean), Couri (Fern), Casey, Sean, Shane, Maya and Zoey and one great granddaughter, Melanie.

Dorothy was raised in Glendale, Queens - she graduated Grover Cleveland High School in 1947 and studied to be a secretary. She married at age 22 and remained home to raise her children.

Dorothy was widowed at young age – only 43. After her husband died, Dorothy returned to work -first in temporary clerical positions. She was then hired full time as an Executive Secretary at Marsh and McLennan Agency where she worked for twenty years until retirement. Mom enjoyed commuting into Manhattan, drawn to its cultural and vibrant energy.

During her life she enjoyed sewing, crocheting and traveling. Her thimble collection reflects her many travels. She also regularly attended Catholic retreats and volunteered for many years as a Eucharistic Minister, delivering communion to the homebound.

In retirement, Dorothy volunteered for 25 years as a docent for the Central Park Zoo, honored with a park bench commemorating her years of service. She was also active in the local church soup kitchen and attended several senior centers, Catholic Daughter meetings, Naim and AARP meetings. She remained active until 2020 when the pandemic closed most of these programs down. After she retired, she also attended the ACE program for adults at Queens College.

Dorothy was health conscious throughout her life- subscribing to Prevention magazine, taking vitamins well before it was fashionable and attending yoga classes as a senior. She was known for taking long walks instead of using the bus. One of her favorite gifts was a certificate for a massage at the Red Door in Manhattan. Her frugal nature was passed on to her children: clip coupons and shop the sales!

From a young age she loved animals and shared that love with her four children – there always seemed to be a dog and/or cat in the home, even gerbils. Dorothy also took care of her mother, who lived with her throughout her life. She enjoyed reading the NY Times and hundreds of novels

over the years – for a long time, mom kept a list of all the books she read so she was never in danger of re-reading any of them! Although never a big TV watcher, she did like to watch Jeopardy! Animal Planet, Blue Bloods and Call the Midwives. She loved most of all holiday family gatherings when everyone came together to celebrate.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Bobbi and the strays (click on link below)

https://bobbiandthestrays.org/donate/