Nana Newt was a grandmother full of love, humor, and support. I am proud to be the granddaughter of such a well respected figure in the community. It always brings a smile to my face to say "my grandparents owned Newtons Ice Cream". I cherish memories of staying with her for the weekend and watching the Price is Right while eating lemon squares. Even in her struggles with Parkinsons she never lost her biting wit, only a few weeks ago she was giving my dad a hard time about his moustache :) She taught me so many things through example; the value of hard work, appreciating the small things, and always looking on the bright side. I feel so blessed to have had her in my life! I miss you Nana! <3 Cori 

 My first interview for a job!  I sat at the table at the front windows of the ice cream shop while this woman who appeared very official asked me several questions.  The truth of the matter is that she was more like a mother than "the Boss"! But it was decided - I got the job!  Thus started my adventure with Newton's Ice Cream Store.  I worked as a "super Scooper" through my High School years and as a result base my business success around the example, words and ethics taught to me by Maxine.  Because as you know "the customer is always right!" 

The memories roll back to Friday night Dancing School groups and Saturday afternoon ladies lunches.  Preparing bean salad using the Newton special recipe and the endless mountains of dishes and ice cream trays to wash.   All the while Mr Newt in the back room preparing the next weeks supply of home made delicious ice cream. There were seasons of peach ice cream and I'll never forget "tomato sherbet"!  Yes, it was one of those afternoons when we discussed and created a new flavor---- served on a bed of lettuce!  Well it wasn't such a big seller and only our most faithful customers participated in testing it.  But it was fun creating and making it. 

Ma Newt use to chat with me about all sorts of events and changes as I was going through them, dropping words of wisdom along the way and always with that unique chuckle of hers!  This was done through the course of the day and the preparation of Rueben sandwiches or Hot Fudge Short and Thicks. 

I moved on and eventually away, but I never moved far from the very fond memories that I hold of my first job with Newton's Ice Cream Parlor or the appreciation and gratefulness I have for the time I spent with this wonderful woman I still call Ma Newt.  God bless her. 

A life well-lived
is a precious gift
of hope and strength and grace
from someone who has made our world
a brighter, better place.
It's filled with moments sweet and sad,
with smiles and sometimes tears,
with friendships formed
and good times shared
and laughter through the years.

A life well-lived
is a legacy
of joy and pride and pleasure,
a loving, lasting memory
our grateful hearts will treasure.

I met Maxine when I was 4 years old and my family moved in across the street from the Newtons on Shakespeare Street in 1960. My family and I were so fortunate to get to know she and Newt,  Janice and Tom.  We became life-long friends. ...and I was SO lucky to become her daughter-in-law when I married Tom!

Nana was a loving, patient mother-in-law to me, never seeming to notice my lack of cooking and crafting skills.  It seemed she and Janice could whip anything up out of thin air!

Nana was such a loving grandmother to our children, Kyle and Cori, always interested in every detail of their school activities, sports, travels and relationships. They were so lucky to have her as 'Nana'.

I will miss her so much in the time ahead, but I am so glad that she is at peace.  I was in awe of her courage during her illness and inspired by her interest in others until the very end.

 I love you, Nana.

Cheri

Maxine and her husband Oran gave me my first "real" job working for them at their store, Newton's Ice Cream Parlor.  I felt very grateful for that opportunity and experience.  I still think it was the best ice cream ever made!  I find myself having to teach people in different ice cream parlor's how to make an ice cream soda.  I think it is a dying art!  I will always remember Maxine for her kindness & patience as well as her wonderful smile and infectious laugh!  My condolences go out to the whole Newton family for their loss.  Maxine was a wonderful woman and will be missed by all who knew her!

Pat Furey Johnson

 Mom lived at Oswego Place on Pilkington road for the last couple of years and made many good friends at this assisted living facility.  Some old Oswego friends even lived there which made it even more enjoyable.  She loved sharing stories and teasing the staff there.

In the last few months, she stayed at "A Place Like Home"  an adult foster care home run by Lidia Pap. Lidia's mom and dad were the resident caretakers.  This was truly like home.  Mom loved "Grandma Lidia" and was cared for like she was one of the family until her death.  We were so fortunate to have such a loving place for her final days.