Mary Jane Newman, a Newburgh Resident, Dies at 75

Mary Jane Newman, 75 of Newburgh, went home to God on Thursday, February 22, 2018. The daughter of the late Frederick H. Newman Jr. and Leila Wilsey Newman, she was born August 24, 1942 in Newburgh.

Mary Jane attended Newburgh Schools and was a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy. She then went on to LadyCliff College where she earned her BS in 1979, University of Bridgeport earning her MS in 1982, New York University earning her MPA in 1986, and Archdiocesan Catechetical Institute at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie, earning her MA in 1989.

Mary Jane was a faithful parishioner of her beloved St. Patrick’s Church where she served as Lector, Eucharistic Minister and Choir Member. She was active in Cursillo and REC (Residents Encounter Christ), and was a volunteer at NCPA. She was employed in the Laboratory at St. Luke’s Hospital for 38 years, 17 as the manager, then became the Director of Religious Education at St. Patrick’s Church for 18 years.

Jane extends profound thanks to her very good friends who, in lieu of family, have always been there, guided and supported her. Most of these are part of her St. Patrick’s family whom she loves beyond measure. Special thanks and eternal gratitude to Fr. Sam Taylor who was the driving force behind her conversion to Catholicism. You are always in her heart. Profound thanks, too, to Msgr. John Budwick, mentor, spiritual director, soul brother, but most of all, friend. You are in her heart. Thanks also to Fr. Fernando Hernandez, friend and colleague who has touched her heart. Many thanks and appreciation to Dr. U. Patel and Dr. K. Joseph for their expertise and guidance during her illness. And a final acknowledgment to Dr. Stuart Liederson, physician, confidant and friend - remember how much God loves you.

Survivors include one sister, Beverly Foster of South Carolina; nieces and nephews; and best friends, Jane Buinicky and Marie E. Sadlo. She was predeceased by her brother, Dirk Wood of Las Vegas.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Church, 55 Grand St., Newburgh. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 10 am on Wednesday, February 28, Fr. Fernando Hernandez officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh.