Constance A. (Connie Gauthier) Newman Obituary
Constance “Connie” Gauthier Newman of Acton, died after a very short illness, in her home on May 20th, 2020, surrounded by her loving children.
Connie was born in Sanford, the daughter of Theodore C Gauthier and Elsie Mae Hersom Gauthier, on July 10, 1931.
Connie, who loved school, graduated from Sanford High School then earned her BS from Nasson College in 1955. Professionally, Connie began as an office assistant to Dr. Armand S. Lincourt, in Sanford, Maine. She moved on to become a medical technician first at Goodall Hospital, Sanford, then on to Massachusetts General Hospital, Lowell General Hospital, and finishing her career at the place of her birth, Goodall Hospital.
Connie married Francis A. Newman in 1956 and together they raised four children. She is predeceased by Francis, who passed away in 2008; her parents, Elsie and Ted; her sister, Lucille and baby brother, Theodore Jr.
Connie is survived by two daughters, Amanda Scott and husband David of Shapleigh, ME; Jill Newman of Santa Rosa, CA; and two sons, John Newman of Sanford, ME and James Newman and wife Rose Sharlene of Norwich, CT. She also leaves six grandchildren, Shane, Cassie, Erica, Justin, Tony, and James Jr.; several great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and a nephew; and a very affectionate 10 year old feline, Toots.
Connie was an intelligent, expressive, fun-loving, independant, and progressive woman. She had great concern for the planet and love for all animals. She rescued many cats over her lifetime, feral, stray and shelter kitties, and regularly gave to rescue and wildlife organizations. She loved music, and gave the gift of music to her children by filling the home with jazz, big bands, classical, blues, folk, soul and rock. She also loved reading, particularly authors Updike and Irving, among many. She instilled a love of both music and reading in her children. And Connie loved talking with people, especially about current politics. She was an active presence on Twitter, favoring tweets about politics and animals which she shared via text with her children. She had several hundred twitter followers, a fact which, at 88, both surprised and amused her.
Connie; a mother, grandmother, friend, activist, and feline custodian, will be deeply missed.
Special thanks to Hospice of Southern Maine for their unwavering support.
Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery, Sanford.
It is Connie’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to HART of Cumberland, Kennebunk Animal Shelter, Friends of Feral Felines, Marlee Second Chance, or the charity of your choice.
