Susan Marie Newman

Susan M. Newman

Age 84, of Northville, passed away March 16, 2023. Susan was born on November 10, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Paul and Gertrude (Baginski) Wittbrodt. She graduated from St. David’s Catholic High School; class of 1956 where she loved to play basketball. Sue married just out of high school as many girls did in those days, and soon after had her two daughters Mary and Karen. Sue met Willard “Will” Newman when her daughters were young adults.  They were united in marriage on June 20, 1980 and spent over 28 years loving each other until his death on April 25, 2009.

Sue’s passion for persons with special needs and teaching them led her to initially teach a catechism program at Assumption Grotto. Later in life, Sue furthered her education by earning an associate degree from Macomb Community College. She then became a paraprofessional for a Center Program in Wayne County and taught high school aged special needs teens woodworking. In retirement, Sue and Will would winter in Arizona.

Susan had a deep love for her animals, including her dog Maggie, cat Max, and her remaining bird Frank, who she enjoyed talking to every day. Sue was a very creative person. She loved to draw, paint, and decorate her house. It was not uncommon to find her wallpapering, painting and rearranging furniture. She loved antiques and has many treasures all of which she has kept over the years.

Sue had a green thumb and always loved planting flower gardens. She frequently had a bouquet of fresh flowers on her table for her to enjoy and red geraniums in her flower box outside her window. She liked to arrange silk flowers and has many. Most know that Sue had many serious health issues over the last 20 years. She survived what most could not, numerous times over. She was determined to stay in her home until the end of her life. Her health slowly declined and in May took a significant turn. Her daughters were dedicated to taking care of her as well as Terry her care giver and the staff (Lauren, Sonia, and Kim) of Optimal Home Care & Hospice. Sue came to embrace and love them for the care and compassion they gave to her. She lived to meet her youngest great grandson about six weeks ago and was able to spend time with “the littles” as well.

Sue is survived by her daughters, Mary (Edward) Glovak and Karen (Robert) Glovak; her grandchildren, Lauren (Michael) Busk, Joshua Glovak, David Glovak, Kyle (Amber) Glovak, Megan (Aaron) Kimball; and great grandchildren, Wesley, Zacharey, Avarey, Rhyker, and Sylas.  She was preceded in death by her husband Willard, her parents, her brother Paul Ronald Wittbrodt and her sister in law Carol Wittbrodt.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Optimal Care Foundation, 24255 West 13 Mile Road, Suite 250, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 or to Michigan Humane , 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025-4507.