Monica Newman
December 13, 2022
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Service Details
Monica Newman, 62, died December 13, 2022, at Taylor Hospice House after a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
Monica was born October 7, 1960, the seventh child of Edward and Alvira Drilling McGee. She grew up on a dairy farm in Iowa. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1979, and from Kirkwood Community College with an associate degree in graphic arts. She worked for several years for various printing companies. She married Brent Newman in 1989. She later returned to school and studied in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Monica worked at Unity Point hospitals in Des Moines for 22 years until cancer forced an early retirement. It was at Unity Point that she found her dream job and made many lifelong friends.
She enjoyed cooking and baking, especially for others. She had the joy of visiting all 48 States and honeymooning in Newfoundland.
She was an active member of Christ the King Parish in Des Moines, participating in weekly adoration for 17 years. She was a loyal Democrat and she and Brent opened their home, providing housing for political workers several times. Monica loved to cook and provided meals to the Catholic Worker House.
She is survived by her husband, Brent; sisters, Mary McGee Light (Gene), Joan Franklin, Barb (Dennis) Stewart, Kathy (Cliff) Schueler, and Jane McGee; brothers, Tom (Vicki) Pat (Becky) and Bob (Kathi); brother-in-law, Eddie (Karen); and 19 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; mother and father-in-law, Lyle and Wathena Newman; sister, Jackie; niece, Danielle; and brother-in-law, Tom Franklin.
Visitation will be held Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with the Rosary prayed at 4 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 19th at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street. Monica will be laid to rest Tuesday, December 20th at 11:30 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Cresco, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Christ the King Catholic Church or the John Stoddard Cancer Center in loving memory of Monica.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Taylor House staff and to Dr. Thomas Buroker from the John Stoddard Cancer Center.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Theresa Mirci Smith
12/17/2022
My mother and Monica's father were siblings. I remember Monica as "Mickey" when we were growing up. She was a sweet child. We were close in age and I always enjoyed visiting the farm and playing with her and Kathy.
As an adult, I admired Monica's commitment to her Faith, family and social justice. I enjoyed interacting on Facebook,and visiting with her (and Brent) at family reunions.
Monica was always quick to send a card to my dad after his stroke or for special birthdays. He remembers her well and sends his love along with my message.
Love, prayers and sympathy for Brent, and all of Monica's siblings, nieces, and nephews. The world has grown dimmer in her absence.
Rest in Glory, Mickey, and please give our best to the many McGees in Heaven.
A donation is being made in Monica's name to the cancer center.
Love,
Theresa Mirci-Smith Family
Uncle Kelly Mirci
Sheryl Trullinger Wendt
12/15/2022
Brent & family,
Please accept our sincere sympathy for your monumental loss of Monica. Your description of her very accomplished life makes me wish that I had met her & had been a friend. Even my best friend in Iowa City, who grew up in Cresco (also a member of a large family) knew of a few of the McGee families in that town. We hope you will cherish your years with Monica & the pain of your loss will ease with time.
Your longtime friend, Sheryl Trullinger Wendt
Philip S Mirci
12/15/2022
Monica leaves a legacy of making profound differences in the lives of other people. Her kindness, graciousness, and empathy live on in her family, friends, and patients. She was a woman of faith with devotion to all that is holy. Her political commitment was one of social justice in her concern for the marginalized. May you draw some comfort from your memories of Love of her. Phil Mirci
Gary Miller
12/15/2022
In 2019 I was recovering from back surgery--Monica was one of 2 my main therapists, and I loved Monica. She would stop by in the mornings sometimes early and ask "do you want to work"?? I always said "yes", and she and I would walk!! She was always so very kind to me, and when I would get depressed with the situation--she would be a BIG help. Sad for her to be gone.