Stella “Sam” Newton

Stella “Sam” Newton, 89, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2022 in Tempe, AZ. She was born on April 4, 1933 in Manistee, Michigan to Mary Ludwa and John Hajec. Stella attended Lamont Township High School, and graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital Nursing School, Joliet, IL in 1954. Sam moved to AZ in 1961 and worked at Good Samaritan Hospital, and Internist Oncologist office until 1972, when she married her sweetheart Louis “Lou.” They shared 46 wonderful years together, loved to spend time with family, traveled to every state in the US and many interesting places around the world.

She actively participated in many volunteer activities including: Boy and Girl Scouts; the American Cancer Society; Visiting Nurse Auxiliary; State and Maricopa County Medical Auxiliary; Good Samaritan Auxiliary, and was a member of the Phoenix Firebird Chapter of the Questers; Town of Paradise Valley Women’s Association; PEO Chapters AP and F, and enjoyed being involved in many groups and activities after moving to Friendship Village with Lou in 2010.

Sam is preceded in death by her husband, Louis M. Newton; stepson, Jeffrey Newton; her sisters, Bernice Gibson, Dolores Bromberek, Josephine Fis; and brother, John Hajec. Survivors include her son, Michael Soltwisch; daughters, Barbara Edens and Mary Holt; and stepchildren Andrew Newton, Beth Barber and Amy Miller. She loved and adored her 11 grandchildren and 12 ¾ great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2022, from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School, Phoenix.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Friendship Village Skrim Auditorium, 2625 E. Southern Ave., Tempe.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Friendship Village Foundation, 2625 E. Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com