Patty Newell

Age 79, died September 29, 2026. Patty was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., on February 15, 1947 to the late Vern S. and Mary A. (Podboyec) Newell. She lived with developmental disabilities from birth but enjoyed life to the fullest, finding joy in simple routines: coloring with crayons, cutting pictures from magazines, playing catch with her brothers, and fishing with her dad. No one would get more excited about catching a bluegill or perch than Patty! She loved collecting purses and wallets, filling them with her magazine clippings and school pictures of her family. Patty spent most of her life cared for by her parents (and brothers) on Long Lake in Scotts before enjoying 20 years at Harmony Brook adult group home in Plainwell and last year of life at Schuring adult group home in Portage. She was preceded in death by brother Warren Newell. Surviving are brother Del Newell of Kalamazoo; nieces Amy Pierce of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Gretchen Behimer of Loveland, Ohio and nephews Todd Newell of Kalamazoo and Greg Newell of Seffner, Florida. A graveside service will be held at 4 o'clock Saturday at Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements were made through Langeland Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be given in Patty's memory to WMU Center for Disability Services or Special Olympics Michigan Area 16.