Kathryn E. Newell

Kathryn Elizabeth Newell, age 95, of Green Pond, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, in the comfort of her home, after getting to spend one last night with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Kathryn was born to John and Margaret Green in Closter, NJ, and she had a younger brother, Bob. Kathryn was raised in Closter, but her family spent their summer vacations in Green Pond, where she would ultimately end up living full time. Kathryn attended Closter High School, and after graduating she became a medical assistant with the Closter Medical Group until 1957. Kathryn left her job at the Closter Medical Center to start a family, but her passion for helping others did not end there. She joined the Green Pond First Aid Squad and she was an active member for 40 plus years. Kathryn was also one of the founders of Green Pond Security, where she was a force to be reckoned with until she retired at the age of 86.

Kathryn enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and playing bridge and mahjong. She was a fixture of Green Pond, as she was kind, sociable, and always up to date on the local gossip. Kathryn would often be found sitting on the front lawn, talking with anybody that walked by. But above all else, Kathryn was devoted to her family. She took great pride and joy in hosting family dinners every Sunday without fail, with attendance often nearing 30 people. She also loved attending her children’s sporting events, concerts, and plays, and she later continued doing the same for her grandchildren.

Kathryn rode the Red & Tan bus line to school, and she became friendly with the bus driver, Harry Newell. One fateful day, Harry set Kathryn up on a blind date with his brother, Clayton. Kathryn, being the cautious type, wouldn’t go anywhere with him, so they simply went back to her house in Closter and talked. They started dating shortly after, and Clayton rented an apartment in Fair Lawn, as it was much easier to visit Kathryn in Closter. The two married on June 23, 1956, and they built a home in Paramus, where they lived from 1956 through 1981. They spent their summers in Green Pond, staying at Kathryn’s parents’ house on Shadyside Lane. Then in 1972 they received a surprise gift from Kathryn’s father: her own summer home in Green Pond with Clayton. It was nothing glamorous, but they enjoyed every minute they spent there together. When describing the house, Kathryn would say “well you could see the outside from inside, and I’m not talking about looking out the windows.” The two eventually built a new house in its stead, and they called it home for the rest of their lives. Kathryn and Clayton had a real-life fairytale love story, the kind we should all emulate. They were inseparable until Clayton’s passing in 2015.

Kathryn is predeceased by her parents, John and Margaret Green, her brother, Bob Green, and her loving husband, Clayton Newell. Kathryn is survived by her three children, Scott Newell, Donna MacQuesten, and Deborah Knorr, her 9 grandchildren, her 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to

Green Pond First Aid Squad

PO Box 251

Green Pond NJ 07535