Georgia M Newkirk

Georgia M. Newkirk Brownell, 55, passed away on February 4, 2009 from complications of Multiple Sclerosis. She was at the prime of her life when told she had MS almost five years ago. Georgia was born in Oelwein, Iowa and came to Arizona with her family when she was two years old. She attended Machan School and North High. Her dream of being an elementary school teacher became a reality when she went back to school at ASU, then went on to get her Master’s degree from NAU. She taught second and third grades at Hohokam Elementary School in Scottsdale School District. Her love for children was so much a part of her teaching. She enjoyed baking, cooking, reading, walking, teaching and spending time with friends and family. Among many of her accomplishments was completing the 60 mile 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk in honor of her mother. Georgia was a member of Mount of Olives Lutheran Church for almost forty years. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Emma Brownell. She is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel B. Newkirk, daughters, April Crow Greg Smith and Shawna Crow, brothers Lyle Brownell Toni, John Dianne, Charles Twyla, and Vern Rose, step-children Marie DeMartino Tom, Nancy Selliman and Dan P. Newkirk, and too many friends to individually list. Her purpose in life was to make people feel special especially her children and students and be sure that they had something to smile about; but she herself was truly the special one. The family wishes to specifically thank Georgia’s caregivers, Rosalee and Susie, Hospice of the Valley and all the friends and family for their comfort and kind gestures during these difficult times. She will be missed by all who knew her, and will remain in our hearts with love forever. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix; and A Funeral Service Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, 3546 East Thomas Road, Phoenix. Interment will be at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85014 or the National MS Society-Arizona Chapter, 315 S. 48th Street, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ, 85281 in memory of Georgia.