Kathleen K Newcomb

KATHY & DOUG NEWCOMB Services will be announced at a later date for Douglas Lemuel and Kathleen Kay Newcomb who passed away at Dominican Hospital on March 6 and March 16, 2011, respectively. Married for 41 years, their passing will forever be a testament to the love they shared and the lives they so deeply touched. Their family, extended family members and close friends are heartbroken, but rejoice in knowing Doug and Kathy are together in eternity. Doug, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was 64 years old. Mr. Newcomb has been a resident of Santa Cruz County for the past 44 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and fondly rejoiced in his experiences of being stationed in Germany. He was employed with W.M. Wrigley Company in Santa Cruz, where he worked as a mechanic and equipment operator for 27 years. Following his career at Wrigley's, he began work as a maintenance supervisor for Christian Church Homes at Via Pacifica Gardens in Aptos and was employed there for the past 11 years until his illness. In addition to his work experience, he and Kathy owned and operated Shady Rest Manor since 1992, a home for elderly women. Kathy, born in Waterloo, Iowa, was 61 years old. Mrs. Newcomb has also been a resident of Santa Cruz County for the past 43 years, including 19 years as a Santa Cruz business owner. She spent a lifetime dedicated to elder care. As a young woman, she was employed for many years at several of the elderly care facilities in Santa Cruz, where she provided care and comfort for hundreds of our community's elder citizenry. Prior to courageously opening her own business with her husband, Kathy was employed at Travis Guest Home for five years, where she worked for and became close friends with Ann and Judy Travis. In 1992, she and Doug opened Shady Rest Manor. Kathy was the primary business operator, where she provided a loving home to many elderly women, many of whom were without means, and cared for them as extended family. In addition to Kathy's love for Doug and her humanity for the elderly, she proudly (and with warm memories of the sisterhood) served the Santa Cruz community on the area council for Beta Signa Phi for over ten years, including terms as the chapter Vice President, then as the President. Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb will be remembered as loving parent figures by many young people who they selflessly helped to raise, provide for, and parented throughout the children's lives; all of whom consider Doug & Kathy as second parents. Doug's compassion, humor, love for Kathy, and his musical talent were blessings upon the community. Kathy preserved and protected her most treasured asset in life - her mother, sisters, the children whom she raised, and friends with whom they shared years of special memories. Aunt Kathy, as she was known to many children, learned many of life's simple lessons; how to tie their shoes, recite the alphabet, and how to enjoy the simple pleasure of hide-and-go seek. The children, young and old, will miss them dearly; especially on Easter Sunday, an extremely special day for all who knew and experienced Easter mornings at Roaring Camp with Doug & Kathy. The broken hearts of the family and friends will be eternally grateful to Doug & Kathy for the life, love and friendship they shared - both were truly angles on Earth. Doug was survived by his wife, Kathy Newcomb of Santa Cruz, until her passing ten days later, his brothers; Stephen Dougherty and Dennis Dougherty; his sister, Cheryl Stramet, and by many nephews and nieces, a special mention of Eric Darrah, Lucas Darrah and Patricia A. Johnson. Kathy is survived by her mother Verona Hutzell of Santa Cruz, her sisters Peggy Rurup and Jeri Dougherty, and her nephews and nieces: Scott, Cory, and Stacey Rurup, Dennis Jr. and Heather Dougherty. Doug and Kathy are also survived by many loving extended family members including; Clifford and Gregory Bainum, Christopher and Todd Burke, Justin and Brittany Burke, and countless close friends, with special mention of Peggy Verdugo (mother to Chris & Todd and grandmother to Justin and Brittany) and Ken Slay; each were considered members of the family. A memorial celebration will be announced for the spring. A private cremation is under the direction of Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. To light a candle for Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb or sign the online guestbook, please visit our website: www.pacificgardenschapel.com