Barbara Ann (Hillman) Newman

Barbara Ann (Hillman) Newman, 85, of Kutztown and the Topton Lutheran Home, died May 2, 2023 after a 16 year battle with Parkinson’s disease and a short hospital stay. She passed away at Lehigh Valley Hospital surrounded by family members. Born July 22, 1937 in Buffalo, New York, she was the daughter of the late James A. and Margaret (Hensel) Hillman. Her much loved husband of 52 years, Arnold E. Newman, died October 18, 2011.

In 1959, Barbara graduated from UAlbany (then New York State College for Teachers in Albany, New York) with a B.A. degree in English, and in 1960 received an M.A. degree from Cornell University. Barbara was employed in the development department of CONCERN in Fleetwood from 1979 to 1991. Her volunteer activities included positions as a vestry member and treasurer of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, board member and treasurer of Friend, Inc. Community Services, membership chair of the Kutztown Area Historical Society, a volunteer at the Kutztown Community Library, and a stint on the Kutztown Planning Commission. Barbara’s primary interest and satisfaction in life was her family, but she also enjoyed travel, hiking, swimming, genealogy, and duplicate bridge. Her travels included many visits to Europe, most notably a multiple month residency in London, as well as a trip to South America.

She is survived by five children: Linnae and her husband, Dennis Goda; Shonra and her husband, Kevin McManus; Rachel and her husband, David Sachs; Dr. James Newman and his wife, Tamie; and Jessica and her husband, Dr. John Burgess, Jr. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Nickalys Goda, Margaret (Meg) McManus, Gwyneth (Gwen) Sachs, Sarah Sachs, and John (Jack) Burgess, III. Also by two step-grandchildren: Kolleen Goda and Jaime Goda. Additionally, by a sister, Priscilla, and her husband, Richard O’Brien. A granddaughter, Natasja Goda, preceded her in death. 

Burial occurred during a private graveside ceremony at Hope Cemetery in Kutztown. Barbara was a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Trexlertown where a Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, June 3 at 11:00 am preceded by a calling hour starting at 10:00 am. Service will also be streamed online at http://facebook.com/stannesepiscopaltrexlertown Arrangements are by the Edward J. Hildenbrand Funeral Home. If desired, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to a local library, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice.  

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