Jeanette Ridgeway Newman of Anacortes and Darrington, Wash., died peacefully on Nov. 10, 2009 after a great week spent celebrating her 84th birthday.

Jeanette was born Nov. 4, 1925 in Leesburg, Virginia to Earl and Elsie Ridgeway. She was an only child, but made up for that by marrying John Newman and having six children. Jeanette and John were married in 1949. Jeanette grew up and went to college in Washington D.C. After she married John, they lived first in Ely, Nev., and then moved to the “other” Washington.

The Newmans lived in Darrington for more than ten years, moved to Anacortes for twenty-five years, and retired to Darrington for twenty more years. Raising her six children was her primary occupation for many years, and Jeanette always visualized great things for each one of them. After her children were all in school, Jeanette worked as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper first for Key Chemical and later at Island Hospital.

Throughout her life, Jeanette’s mind was kept sharp with reading books and doing crossword puzzles. Her mental acuity carried over into her recreation as she was an avid bridge player and belonged to the same bridge club for over fifty years. Less than a week before her death, she played bridge with her regular group in Darrington.

Travel was a passion for Jeanette. When she was a teenager she even went on an extended trip to Cuba (before it was illegal!) Throughout her life she made many trips to Europe and especially loved the islands of Greece.

Jeanette is preceded in death by her husband of fifty-three years. She is survived by her six children: Dawn Frederiksen of Greene, Maine, Dale Gubin of Frederick, Maryland, Doug Newman of Seattle, Holly Newman of Anacortes, Linda Newman of Anacortes, and Nancy Newman of Shaw Island. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, five great-grand children, three nieces, and one nephew.

A memorial service and dinner for Jeanette Newman will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 at the Darrington Methodist Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Jeanette, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.