Maureen G. Newell

Maureen Gloria Newell, born in Milwaukee on May 17, 1933, was the beloved daughter of Emily and Allan Koepsel.

Maureen attended MPS, including what was then Peckham Jr. High School, and she graduated from Washington High School. She enjoyed her school years and exhibited both beauty and brains.

Maureen was raised in the Catholic faith and was always mindful of God’s presence in her life. From birth, Maureen’s life was filled with love and both her parents and grandparents doted on her and the love was reciprocated throughout their lives.

Maureen was a great family historian and often shared stories from her childhood. One story she loved to tell involved her grandparents, Agnes and John O’Karzon.  When Maureen was seven months old, Grandpa – who was extremely frugal – came home with a Christmas tree. Grandma Agnes said to him “why did you buy a tree, we never have a tree.” And Grandpa John said, “Maureen gets a tree!”  The love and nurturing that she received during her formative years was the foundation for her becoming a strong, independent and fair-minded woman.

After high school, Maureen worked briefly at Spiegel and for the City of Milwaukee, but her most favorite job was being a stay-at-home Mom and homemaker. She enjoyed decorating her home and making it comfortable for her family and she loved gardening. She had such a ‘green thumb’ and everything she touched – from roses to peonies, to crab apple and magnolia trees – grew magnificently!  Neighbors and friends sought her help with their plants and gardens and she generously shared her expertise. She thought of it as her way to help beautify the neighborhood…!  She was also fond of boating and family vacations; and enjoyed trips to Niagara Falls, Canada, Mt. Rushmore and other scenic places.

Maureen was also a lover of the arts. She enjoyed going to plays and watching movies. ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘All About Eve’ were two of her favorite movies; and Paul Newman and Bette Davis were her favorite actors.  She absolutely adored musicals, especially ‘West Side Story’ and the ones with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. She never missed an episode of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and she often said “if reincarnation is real, then I want to come back as a dancer.”

Maureen was an avid Brett Favre fan. She liked the Packers, but Favre was the driving factor for her! However, after Favre left the Packers, she shamelessly shifted her loyalty to Tom Brady and the Patriots!

Maureen was thoughtful and fun loving, but she was also feisty and able to hold her own in the face of adversity. She didn’t believe in gossiping or saying something behind a person’s back that she wouldn’t say to their face. She never sought attention for herself, and she affectionately showered love and light on family and friends. Her inspiration and thoughtfulness were appreciated by all who knew and loved her.

Last, but not least, Maureen loved her children unconditionally and always saw the best in them.  She always put her children first and made them feel special every day. She taught her children how to love, be respectful, and to be discerning.

She taught her son how to put his trust in the right individuals and always encouraged him to do his very best.  She taught her daughter to be an independent, outspoken woman and inspired her to rely on her inner strength to get through difficult times.

Most importantly, Maureen taught her daughter how to be a good Mom by being the ‘Best Mom Ever’ to Greg and Evonne.  She was always a loving, concerned, caring mother and grandmother, especially when it came to her granddaughter, Hailee.  Maureen had the same wonderful, nurturing relationship with her granddaughter Hailee that she had with her own Grandpa.  Even when Maureen’s health was declining she would call Evie and say “I watched the weather, honey, it’s going to get cold tomorrow, make sure you dress my baby Hailee warm.”  She was happiest when she could share in special events that involved Hailee.

Of course, everyone who knew her, knows she was very funny too, but what made her so funny is that she didn’t even realize it!  It was just Maureen’s simple, but logical way of seeing things and the way she expressed it.  Her children would sometimes tease her about it and she would just smile and wave them away.

Maureen entered heaven on October 21, 2017 where she was reunited with her parents, grandparents and uncle, Johnny O’Karzon.

Maureen was loved and cherished and will be deeply missed by her beloved children, Gregory Newell and Evonne Fisher. Her grandchildren, Melissa Newell and Hailee Fisher; great-grandchildren, Samantha, Andrew, Dominik, Ava and Noah; and her brother, Allan Koepsel, Jr.

Maureen was also loved by a host of extended family and dear friends; and her presence will be truly missed.

 Letting Go

When we think about our lifetime

And all the stages we’ve gone through,

We cherish all the years we’ve spent with you.

From the first time you cradled us in your arms

Till the day God called you away.

We will hold on to every moment, and

Every hour of every day.

All the laughter, all the struggles,

All the joys and all the tears,

Have formed a bond between us

That grew stronger through the years.

So now, Mom, we just want you to know,

That our hearts will always hold you

Though our arms must let you go…

We Love you Mom,

Greg & Evonne

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Wednesday, November 1, 4:00 PM – 6:45 PM. Funeral Service 7:00 PM. Interment Lincoln Memorial Park.