Helen R. (Abramovitz) Newman

Helen Newman, whose life was defined by an unwavering devotion to family, faith, and education passed away on February 1, 2026. She was 97.

Born in Chelsea to Florence and Samuel Abramovitz, Helen grew up in a large, close-knit and loving extended family. Both her mother and grandmother were one of seven children, and with most living nearby, Helen was raised alongside her sister, Anne, and 12 first cousins who were more like siblings. This bond was so enduring that the family has maintained an annual reunion picnic for more than 80 years.

Helen’s life changed forever when she took a bus to visit a cousin and met Eddie Newman, who offered to drive her home. They were married for over 50 years, building a life centered on Jewish traditions, community service, and an unwavering commitment to their family. She was a woman of many interests, from being an avid Bridge player, to a Cub Scout den mother and she cherished her 80-year friendship with her best friend, Cynthia Lichtenstein.

Helen’s life was a testament to the value of lifelong learning. When her son went to college, she returned to school herself, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in teaching from Salem State University. She dedicated many years to teaching special needs students. Before her teaching career, she was a skilled dressmaker, a talented gardener, and a dedicated Cub Scout den mother.

She was famous among her grandchildren for her "who cares" tablecloth; a pink, stained tablecloth used specifically for their visits so they could play, eat and create without the fear of making a mess. This simple gesture perfectly captured her philosophy: that people and memories were always more important than things.

She was the beloved wife of the late Edward Newman, devoted mother of Larry (Margaret) Newman, and cherished Aunt to Jennifer (John) Perigaut and Jonathan (Beth) Winograd. She was the adored grandmother of Rachel (Jason) Ducat and Jeffrey (Holly) Newman, and an incredible Great-Grandmother to Jeremy, Zach, Gabe, and Isabella. Helen will be remembered for her quiet strength, her dedication to her students, and the unconditional love she poured into her family.

A funeral service will be held at the Brooksby Village Chapel, 300 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, MA on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM. Interment to follow at Temple Emanu-El of Marblehead Memorial Park, 8 Buxton Road, Danvers, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hadassah of Brooksby Village, 100 Brooksby Village Dr. Peabody, MA 01960. For more information or to register in the online guestbook, please visit www.stanetskyhymansonsalem.com.