Faustina A. "Tina" Newman

Newman, Faustina Adele - Tina passed away Friday, January 15th, 2016, at her home in Dartmouth. Tina, most lovingly known as Nanny, will be missed by so many;she lived a full and productive life for most of her 94 years.Tina was the daughter ofMae (Fougere) and Joseph Murphy. She was the second youngest of six siblings, all of whom predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her husband, Bill Newman.She is survived by her daughters, Beth (James) Quinn, Maureen Newman and Patsy (Kevin Conley) Newman, her grandchildren, Shelley (Troy) Quinn, Jamie, Harrison, Tess and her great grandchildren, Christine, Ryan, Tyler and Logan. (Aunt) Tinawas loved by numerous nieces and nephews who will miss her as well.Tina grew up in Halifax with her family. She attended College Street School and the old St Patrick’s High School. As often recounted by her, everyone from her era worked hard, looked after each other and found ways to enjoy life on a shoe string budget.Tina attributed her good health and longevity to her early life where she spent many summers and winter holidays with her Grandmother in Porters Lake. There, sheenjoyed the outdoors;playing, hauling wood and walking anywhere they needed to go. As a teenager and young adult she continued her active lifestyle as she and her best friend, Grace, skated all winter long on Chocolate Lake (a very long walk from South End Halifax) and at the old rink on Shirley Street as well as at the Halifax Forum. Tina met Bill, a young serviceman from Denton, Ontario at a wedding. After a short courtship, they were married. Needless to say, the honey moon was brief asBill left to fight overseas.Letter writing to Bill became their union. Tina wrote Bill two to three letters a day.Bill noticed some of his comrades did not receive any mail from home and asked Tina to write them as well. This kind deed mushroomed as one fellow would send her a note to tell her another soldier could use some cheering up with a letter from her. As the war progressed, Tina became a full time correspondent to many brave young men. As her children grew up, Tina worked for many years at GB Murphy’s Jewellery store on Barrington Street in Halifax and later as Front Desk Reception at the Halifax YWCA.She was the consummate caregiver, taking care of her mother, her brother and her husband in their time of illness. When life finally afforded the opportunity to focus on her,she resumed many hobbies such as knitting,sewing, needlepoint, traveling to see old friends and lots of good cooking for all to enjoy. She was famous for her fudge!Tina loved to help others,so volunteering became an important aspect of her life.She volunteered many countless hours at the NS Cancer Society.In the mid 80’s,Tina’s greatest passion became her involvement with the Change of Heart programme, first at the Halifax YMCA and later at the Tower in Halifax. Her membership in this organization led to her meeting individuals who also became close and dear friends.Once again, she volunteered unconditionally for this group. In the early 90’s, Tina received the South Park Street YMCA Female Volunteer award. She continued to participate in the (now named)Heart for Life fitness classes and events until 2014.Tina knew the caring friends and special individuals she met during her life time made her a better person. So… from Tina and her family, a collective “thank you” to everyone who called her, took her out, sent her cards and made sure she knew you were “thinking of her”.To Dr.David Wood and his receptionist, Sonya, we give a special thank you. Your smiles, time to listen, genuine concern and best practice delivery, allowed us to enjoy Tina’s company a bit longer.Visitation will be held for Tina onMonday, January 25, from 2-4pm, 7-9pm. A celebration of life will be held at 11 am on Tuesday,January 26, both in A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home 217 Portland Street. In lieu of flowers donations can be to the APSEA Auxiliary, 5940 South Street, Halifax NS, B3H1S6 (auxiliary @apsea.ca) or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com