Augusta Wachter Newman

Augusta Wachter Newman February 21, 1931 - February 25, 2023 Augusta was a loving woman of exuberance and joy. Ever an optimist, she embodied carpe diem completely. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, she was the second oldest of six siblings with whom she stayed close throughout her life. Her immigrant German father, along with her loving and hard-working mother, enabled her family to weather the depression and WWII on a small farm with a cow, horse and room to roam and swim. She loved singing in church choir and playing tennis. After completing high school, she started work in an insurance office and soon fell under the spell of Charles. 16 years older, Charles was an orphan who had returned from WWII wanting to marry and fashion the family he lacked. Their love was deep, passionate and weathered all the storms of their life. She and Charles became parents to Chris born 1951, Nancy born 1953 and Paul born 1956. A very strong and capable woman, she excelled at the domestic arts and made a lovely home for our family. She was a wonderful cook, as well as an excellent gardener, and she and my father grew a multitude of vegetables and flowers. She loved to sew beautiful clothes, and attended to decorating and landscaping our home. Hosting large family gatherings was routine. There was much joy in our home due to her loving efforts. Tragedy struck their domestic bliss when Chris was diagnosed with congenital heart disease soon after birth, leading to his death at age 8. Charles had his first heart attack 6 years after their marriage which led to his disability for much of their life together. Despite this and the later tragedy of my brother Paul's death at age 55, her spirit was not defeated and she always remained positive, joyful and engaged with the beauty of the world. When more income was needed, she parlayed her considerable artistic abilities into a full time career as a graphic artist. She worked successfully for 25 years, from her children's early years until she moved to California to take up grandmother duties. A lifelong lover of books and literature. She and my father loved the arts and they attended operas, plays (especially devoted to Shakespeare), and visited art and other museums throughout their life together, exposing me to the same in the process. It was difficult for them to travel, but when they could they loved going to Galveston. She loved the ocean and would gamely do an ocean swim no matter the season. A staunch liberal Democrat, she was concerned with the well being of others and strongly felt government had a role to play in improving the lives of both American citizens and citizens of the World at large. She had a strong concern for others, willingness to forgo excess, strong work ethic and desire only to consume what was necessary. After she was widowed and our son Christopher was born, she sold her house and relocated to San Diego with her boyfriend Hal. She was caregiver to Chris and Nick, and domestic helper for Don and I throughout our child rearing years. Her presence allowed Chris and Nick to be involved in many enriching activities and to always have someone there for them and their friends. She enjoyed visits from step grandkids, John and Jay, and later welcomed Jay's family; wife Kathy and step great grandkids Ally, Tommy and Hannah. She fulfilled our needs and yet was very careful to give us time alone as a nuclear family by retiring to her room before dinner each night or staying with her dear friend Nanon for weekends and attending many arts events. My brother Paul lived happily with us the last 5 years of his life and we were blessed with several wonderful visits from granddaughter Katy and great grandchildren Sage, Zion and Cora. Throughout her years with us she desired nothing more than to be of use. She remained capable and anxious to do whatever was needed for the good of all and she did it with love and cheer. Wheelchair bound her last five years, she made the best of that as well. When Don developed back pain she insistently requested we give her chair to him. Her final years were spent gazing outdoors at the birds and expressing gratitude for her home with us. In keeping with her desire to be of service, she completed paperwork (twice - in 1986 and 2004) for body donation to UCSD and we honored her wishes. A lifelong Christian, she trusted in the life everlasting and was at peace with death. We can honor her life by upholding her values of altruism, stewardship of resources, joyfulness, service to others and love of family that she embodied so well. https://augustanewman.org/ Written by daughter, Nancy Newman

Augusta Wachter Newman

February 21, 1931 - February 25, 2023

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Augusta Wachter Newman

February 21, 1931 - February 25, 2023

COVID-19

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Our Services

About Us

Obituaries

What We Do

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support