Hazel Porter Newnam

Hazel Porter Newnam of Easton, MD, our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother gained her wings on Friday, November 2, 2018. At the time of her passing, she was at Bayleigh Chase in Easton. She had recently celebrated her milestone 100th birthday on August 2, 2018, at which time she resided at The Dixon House of Easton. Born August 2, 1918, in Clairton, PA, she was the daughter of Lawrence C. and Pearl Rogerson Porter. After graduating from Clairton High School in 1936, she soon met the man that caught her eye and captured her heart, William S.D. Newnam, Jr., of Oxford, MD. He was just graduating from the Pittsburgh Aeronautical Institute. The two were married in Clairton on May 19, 1940, and Bill flew her back in his private plane to the Eastern Shore, where she happily lived out her life. Bill and Hazel were a dynamic team as they worked side by side in their private charter business, known up and down the East Coast as Maryland Airlines, Co., Inc. Hazel was the vice-president and secretary of the corporation, while also raising their two daughters. Her energy was boundless and the love she showed for her family and friends was unparalleled. During her 50’s she decided to become a pilot and Bill taught her to fly. She was incredibly proud to share with others that she had attained her solo license. After her daughter Suzanne Newnam Towers’ tragic death at age 43, and Bill’s untimely death in May 1991, Hazel pushed forward and set an example of strong character and independence to all who knew her. Before moving in 2014 to the assisted-living Dixon House on Higgins Street in Easton, she maintained the family home at Peachblossom. During those years, she was well-known as the “Designated Driver” for her many widowed Oxford girlfriends. Her daughter, Debbie, called her Cadillac the “Gospel Bus,” and took great joy in knowing that her mother was experiencing many, many adventures... some as far south as Florida and as far north as Pittsburgh. This continued until she unhappily relinquished her license in 2014 at the age of 96. Her activities in those later years centered around shopping and playing cards with “the girls. ”She could be found at least two days a week shuffling the decks at either The Elks Lodge, The Senior Center or homes of the card players. Hazel was known as a winner in all circles of life. Her life’s story would not be complete without describing where Hazel derived most of her joy. She was truly in her “Happy Place” when in the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She has left her family with an extraordinary amount of beautiful memories and examples of self-less acts of love and kindness. Hazel lived a full life and it was filled with all the right things. She was a faithful member of the Oxford Methodist Church and not only sang in the choir, but led the MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) and served as a member of the WSCS (Women’s Society of Christian Service). She also served a number of years as a volunteer for the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She leaves beautiful memories to be cherished by her daughter, Deborah Newnam Kudner; four grandchildren, G. Cooper Towers, III (Wendy), Sheila Towers Herbert (Barry), H. Bo Claggett, Jr. (Gabriela), Courtney Claggett Springer (Scott); and seven great-grandchildren, Christie Towers, Carter Towers, Cassidy Towers, twins Elisabeth and Gabriel Claggett, Francesca Claggett and Cruz Springer. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, her five siblings, her beloved husband of 51 years, and her daughter, Suzanne Elaine Newnam Towers. A public visitation at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Easton will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2018, from 10 to 11 AM. Burial will be private. If choosing to honor Hazel’s incredible life, memorial contributions may be made to The Dixon House, 108 Higgins Street, Easton, MD 21601 with Attn: Ms. Linda Elben or the Oxford Methodist Church, 101 N. Morris Street, Oxford, MD 21654.

Hazel Porter Newnam

August 2, 1918 - November 2, 2018