Marie Therese Newell

Born July 14, 1933 in Utica, NY, Marie was the oldest daughter of Lawrence Supina and Jennie Potenza Supina. She graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica, NY, in 1951. On June 2, 1956 she married her high school sweetheart Gordon Charles Newell. They were married 38 years until his passing on January 22, 1995.

Marie had a 30-plus-year career in communications, starting at the New York Telephone Company in Utica. After the family moved to Jacksonville, FL, in 1973, Marie was employed at Bellsouth/AT&T as a communications specialist until her retirement.

A woman of great faith and devotion, she was active in the Catholic church. She took great pleasure in making rosaries, volunteering at the pastoral care desk, and helping those in need. She took time every day to pray and was known for the well-loved book of prayers she carried with her.

She was also creative and spent time knitting, crocheting, doing macramé, and painting. She also loved scrapbooking and made her grandchildren scrapbooks for their high school graduations, among other keepsakes.

Marie and her family made many happy memories spending time together over the years. They spent many summers camping at Piseco Lake, NY, boating, swimming and playing Pitch with friends, as well as many trips to the beach, and summers spent in the pool at their Florida home.

A first-generation American on her father’s side, Marie kept her family traditions alive through her passion for cooking. She was known for her meatballs, meatloaf, pizza, and fried chicken. Her beef soup, lovingly referred to as “bustine,” was her signature dish and a constant request from her family.

Marie was also a devoted friend and confidant with many friendships that lasted decades. She was a willing listener and ready with a kind word of advice. She enjoyed long, frequent phone conversations with family and friends. She was also proudly adept at texting. She enjoyed sending greeting cards and kept a supply for all occasions so she never missed an event.

Known for her commitment, dedication, and faith to many things, Marie’s greatest passion was her family. She raised three children and, later, enjoyed spending time with her seven grandchildren. Her greatest joy was her four great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She loved playing with them, singing to them, and watching them grow.

She was more than a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent; she was a caregiver, teacher, confidant, and friend. She left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Life without our beloved Mommom will never be the same.

Marie is survived by her beloved children: daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Steve DiFondi of North Carolina, her son and daughter-in-law Michael and Brennan Newell of Georgia, and son and daughter-in-law David and Cay Newell of Florida.

Her grandchildren are Melissa DiFondi Kretiv (Matthew), Jennifer DiFondi (fiancé Shaun Bays), Michelle Newell Snowden (Chad), Katherine Newell Harrington (Russ), Gabe Jones, Lily Jones, Caitlin Newell Cousins (Tiara and Kai), Emily Newell (fiancé Nate McCullough), and Jacob Newell.

Her great-grandchildren are Trenton Kretiv, Evelyn and Hal Snowden, and Ava Harrington.

She also leaves behind her nephew Larry Guido (wife Debbie and daughters Samantha and Alexandria), and her niece Chrissie Scharf (husband Brian McGrath and daughter Chelsea), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family, who filled her life with so much joy.

She was pre-deceased by her parents Lawrence and Jennie Supina, her sister Jacqueline Guido, nephew Richard Guido, sister-in-law Patricia Scharf Caruso, and her beloved Aunt Roccy.

Her family would like to thank Phyllis and Jessica from Comfort Keepers Home Care who took exceptional care of her during her final weeks, as well as her doctors and nurses. The family also thanks Drs. Usher, Naidu, and Glen for their kindness and many years of excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh, NC, or Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church of Cary, NC.

A memorial mass to celebrate her life will be held at a to-be-determined date.