Mary Misch Newmann

Mary Misch Newmann, of Polson, MT and Cambridge, MA, died peacefully of cancer on July 24, 2011, near Flathead Lake, surrounded by her life partner Ted Smith and their two daughters. Kind, playful and generous of spirit, Mary enjoyed life to the fullest until the very end. She died with the same rare grace and strength with which she lived. Mary was born in New York City in 1941 to Robert and Janet Misch. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1963 and earned masters degrees from Bank Street College of Education and New York University's School of Social Work. A lifelong leader in education, Mary began her career as the founder of an international high school in Jakarta, Indonesia. In 1980 she became Director of the Churchill School for Learning Disabilities and then in 1986, the Head of The Town School, both in New York City. In 1992 Mary was named Head of School at Buckingham, Browne & Nichols in Cambridge Massachusetts where she was committed to fostering a sense of creativity, self-expression and wonder among children. Mary retired briefly in 2001, returning in 2003 to head the Cambridge Friends School for five years where she again united a community committed to diversity, respect and social justice. Her success in leading four different schools stemmed from her profound faith in the unlimited capacity of children and a deep respect for teachers as professionals. These values permeated the vision and culture of each institution. Above all, Mary was a magnificent human being. The same qualities that enabled her to build and lead schools infused her relationships with family and friends. Her deep sense of caring, respect for differences, and ability to bring out the best in everyone drew people together and created enduring ties. Mary was the one to whom family, friends and colleagues turned for guidance, nurturing and inspiration. Mary is survived by Ted Smith (Missoula County High School, 1959), her beloved daughters, Sara (Doug Sovern) and Emily (John Darrah), sister Katherine Koritzinsky (Allan), and granddaughters Maxine and Sadie Newmann Darrah. A Celebration of Mary's Life will be held September 24, at 3:30 PM at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Cambridge, MA. Messages of condolence may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, is honored to assist Mary's family with local arrangements.
Read Mary Newmann's Obituary and Guestbook.