In Loving Memory of Lucy Newman: 1936-2023

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Lucy Ann Newman passed away peacefully at her home in Federal Way on Feb. 20, 2023. She was born June 12, 1936 in Centralia, Washington, the seventh and last child born to Camille and Julia (Gauthy) Cluzel. 

Her father affectionately called her the “Little Caboose.” She was such an independent and self-reliant child, her brothers dubbed her "The Mighty Lou." 

In 1941, her sister-in-law, Mary, died leaving behind a newborn infant and her 4-year-old sister. The children were immediately absorbed into the family home and were raised as siblings with Lucy and her sister. The four girls formed a strong bond that has lasted throughout their lives. 

Lucy graduated from Centralia High School in 1954. She worked part-time for the Lewis County Credit Bureau while in her senior year, then at Churchill Glove Factory for five years. She then worked at Eubanks, using her skills with the commercial sewing machine to craft products for home, cars and boats. 

She met the love of her life, a soldier from Wisconsin named Leonard Newman, at a dance in Chehalis in 1962. Following his discharge from the U.S. Army, they were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centralia on Sept. 15, 1962 and moved to Olympia where Lenny was employed at the plywood mill. Their daughter Lisa was born in December 1964 and Lucy became a stay at home mom. Lisa was the pride, joy and delight of their lives. 

In 1965, Lenny was hired by United Airlines and the family moved to Federal Way. Lenny retired from United in 1998. They were involved with and supported Lisa's school and sports activities, and her journey to becoming an airline pilot. They were so proud of her. 

Lucy's passion was gardening and her yard and flowers were a showcase. She won many awards for her roses. The couple enjoyed sports. They skated, skied, bowled, boated, fished, and were on softball and volleyball teams with the United Airlines group, with Lenny as a player and Lucy a cheerleader, well into their senior years. Lucy was an avid fan of the Huskies and the Seahawks. 

After their daughter was grown, they traveled extensively throughout the states and abroad. They especially enjoyed the road trips they took on their Gold Wing motorcycle. Lucy loved going to the theater, musicals, visits to the mountains and spending time at the beach, but mostly, she loved her family. 

She was preceded by her parents, husband and brothers: John, George, Edward, August and Albert Cluzel. 

She is survived by her daughter Lisa Preuit; grandchildren Aimee (Kevin) Everett, Shane (JuleeAnna) Preuit and Summer (Levi) Preuit; great-grandsons Jasper and Brock Preuit; sister Rosemary Baldwin; nieces Julia DeBeer and Joyce Stockwell; great-niece Julie Stockwell; special nephew and his wife Clint and Teresa Cluzel; many other nieces, nephews and cousins; and by special friends Bill and Joan Dahl. 

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Clint, Teresa, Bill and Joan for the amazing care, compassion and assistance they gave to Lucy and Lenny these past three very difficult years. Words cannot adequately express our appreciation. 

A celebration of life was held in Federal Way for family and close friends. Lucy and Lenny will be buried at Mt. View Cemetery in Centralia at a later date.