Mildred Newstom, South Kitsap pioneer, died suddenly on Saturday December 11, 2004. She had lived in the Harper area for over 65 years. She was born on the family farm in Cheney, WA 89 years ago. She attended Cheney Normal School now called Eastern Washington University, to get her teaching certificate then traveled to Seattle to begin teaching. She settled on Capitol Hill where she met Carl Newstrom while attending church in the area. They married and then moved to the Harper area where they established a home on the water. Carl, an engineer, built a swimming pool, fed by the many springs on the property. Mildred began teaching first their three daughters and then a host of other children and adults to swim, and through this gift touched many lives. She continued teaching people to swim, even as late as last summer. More than 48 years ago she started teaching elementary school; Kindergarten at Olalla Elementary and then third grade at South Colby Elementary. Her classrooms were known for her tough love and lots of hands on activities. She was passionate about science, math and reading and stressed all those to her students. She was a trailblazer in Art Appreciation Programs, purchasing classical artist's prints and displaying them throughout South Colby's hallways and classrooms. After retirement she and Carl traveled extensively. Their winters were spent in Indio, California where she was an active member of the Desert Aire retirement community. She was a great actress often dressing up as some wild character and leading the parades and follies. Her extensive collection of vintage clothes and hats were enjoyed by many at her presentations throughout the community. She was not only an artist on the stage, but also an artist in oil, watercolor and dried flower arrangement. Gardening was another medium for her artistic talents. The gift of her creative and colorful plantings will live on for many years including the landmark "Newstrom's Pond," which is graced by water lilies, Rhododendrons and flowering trees. She loved to be outside working, planting, and driving her many large lawn mowers. She was an outspoken advocate for the environment, supporting multiple organizations throughout the Puget Sound and beyond. Her summers were filled hosting various picnics including the old fashioned 4th of July Picnic for family and friends, which in 2004 celebrated its 41st gathering. After Carl's death Mildred married Mason McCoy. Though Mason died in 1995, she continued to host the McCoy summer picnic every year. She belonged to several clubs and organizations including Triads, Garden Club, Orthopedic Guild, and hosted meetings and picnics for them as well. Neighbors, family and friends always took a priority in her life and she became "Grandma" to many neighborhood children, especially her dearly loved Zane and Collin. Her spunk, her creativity, her determination and her boldness will always be remembered and greatly missed by her family and close friends. Mildred is survived by her children Jan Larson and her husband Michael, of Lynnwood and Chris Brehmer and her husband Jim, of Wenatchee, Son-in-law Steve Campbell of Orlando, Florida as well as grandchildren, Melanie and Tory Larson, Erin and Tyler Brehmer, and Lisa and Scot Campbell; her brothers Don and his wife Margaret Conley of Alabama, and Glen and his wife Barbara Conley of Spokane; her step-children Mike McCoy and his wife Jan of Oregon, and Mary McKinney and her husband Jim of Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband Carl, Daughter Sandy Campbell, her second husband Mason McCoy and his daughter Margaret. A memorial service will be held December 28, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at Colby United Methodist Church. A reception at the church will follow. Memorials in Mildred's name may be given to: Children's Hospital Seattle, WA