Phyllis Ann Newton

Phyllis Ann Newton, a beloved teacher, loving family member, and talented quilter, passed away on January 8, 2024, in Santee, CA. She was born on July 5, 1935, in Fort Lewis, Washington to Hubert and Ann Hamilton.

Phyllis dedicated a remarkable 33 years to her career as an educator in San Diego City Schools. For the majority of her teaching journey, spanning 30 years, she graced the classrooms of Central Elementary in City Heights. It was within these walls that Phyllis shared her unparalleled passion for U.S. History with countless fifth-grade students. She went above and beyond to ensure their learning experience was not only educational but also memorable.

One of Phyllis's extraordinary talents was sewing. To enrich her students' education and foster creativity, she acquired numerous sewing machines. With her guidance and expertise, Phyllis taught her students the art of sewing and quilting. She instilled in them a love for this timeless craft and encouraged them to create their own quilts. She also taught her students the historical art of Candlewicking Embroidery. Additionally, Phyllis never missed an opportunity to showcase her ingenuity by creating enough costumes for her students to wear during their play on the Revolutionary War.

Outside the classroom, Phyllis extended her caring nature beyond family and friends to touch the lives of strangers as well. Her quilts became symbols of comfort and love as they found their way into the homes of family members and friends or were donated to those in need. One such example of Phyllis's generosity was seen through her contributions to the Burn Institute's camp "Beyond the Scars," where she created numerous quilts for young burn survivors.

Phyllis's educational journey began at La Jolla High School, where she graduated in 1953. She furthered her passion for teaching by obtaining her teaching certificate from San Diego State University in 1957.

Phyllis will always be remembered as a natural leader and a warm-hearted individual. Her friendly and outgoing personality drew people to her, and she was always there to lend a helping hand. Her dedication towards helping others extended to her involvement in various organizations such as the Del Cerro Junior Women's Club, Del Cerro Women's Club, Legacy Quilters, Visions Museum of Textile Art, and San Diego Fifty-Sixers. Phyllis's involvement in organizations, such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Allied Gardens Little League allowed her to guide and inspire young minds.

One of Phyllis's favorite pastimes was traveling with her husband, family, and friends. She embarked on delightful journeys across the United States, exploring different states and cities. In 1986, she embarked on a memorable six-week driving trip from San Diego to Boston with her daughter. Among the many highlights of their trip was their visit to Old Sturbridge Village for a patriotic celebration on the 4th of July.

Phyllis's love for quilting was evident in every aspect of her life. She immersed herself in this art form since the late 1970s. She frequented quilt shows near and far, eagerly sought out any quilt shop she stumbled upon during her travels, joined quilt organizations, and passed on her knowledge to her students. Phyllis warmly shared her expertise with newcomers to quilting and never missed an opportunity to create beautiful quilts for others to cherish.

The holiday season held a special place in Phyllis's heart. She adored decorating her home for Halloween and Christmas with Department 56 houses, a tradition that brought joy to both herself and those around her. To complement these festive displays, she ensured that she had quilts themed for both holidays.

While Phyllis had many accomplishments throughout her life, her proudest achievement undoubtedly lay in raising successful children who carry on her legacy. She took great pride not only in their achievements but also in making a positive impact on her community. She loved hearing from former students and felt great pride in their successes. Phyllis fought diligently with other state junior women's' club members to preserve the natural beauty of Prairie Creek Redwood National Park in Northern California by ensuring that Highway 101 was not widened.

Phyllis Ann Newton is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond Newton. She leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth cherished by her surviving family members: her daughter Jennifer Newton-Mosinski, son-in-law James Mosinski, son Larry Newton, daughter-in-law Sheri Newton, son Rusty Newton, daughter-in-law Brenda Newton, and grandchildren Matthew (Katy), Bryan (Mandy), Geoffrey, Kendall, Sydney, Faith, Joel, and Sarah.

A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Phyllis's remarkable life on February 3, 2024, at St. Andrews Lutheran Church located at 8350 Lake Murray Boulevard in San Diego. The service will begin at 11:00 AM. Friends and family are invited to gather together to honor and remember this extraordinary woman.

Phyllis Ann Newton was a remarkable teacher, a caring humanitarian, and a talented quilter who touched the lives of many with her kindness and creativity. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Should you wish to donate in her memory these organizations were close to her heart:

Visions Museum of Textile Art: 2825 Dewey Rd. San Diego, CA 92106

Burn Institute: 8825 Aero Dr. Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92123

The following is an organization started by a former student of hers. He runs an afterschool/summer program for Mira Mesa students.

Three Treasures Cultural Arts Society: PayPal:  tndu94@gmail.com  (This is the nonprofit account and you will be sent a tax donation letter.)