The world lost one of its brightest lights, June Elizabeth Newsham (nee Woodworth) on Thursday November 23, 2023, but her legacy will continue to shine.

June was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia on Aug. 30, 1946, and grew up on a farm nearby. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Acadia University, then went on to obtain her Bachelor of Religious Education from the University of Toronto.  Her faith called her to North Battleford, Saskatchewan in 1969 to take on a position as Deaconess at Third Avenue United Church.  Soon after, she met the love of her life, Ivor Newsham.  They married in 1970 and started a family.  Once the children were in school, June went back to University of Regina and obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree.

June worked in and later managed several group homes for mentally handicapped adults.  She always believed in improving their quality of life and that they were capable of much more.  June truly loved North Battleford and spent her life giving back to her community.  She was a long-time volunteer at the WDM and the music festivals and sat on the North Battleford Housing Authority.  A long-time member of Third Avenue United Church, she sang in the choir, played handbells, taught Sunday School, led Explorers and CGIT, and was a Board member/ trustee.   She was actively involved with the local branch of the NDP and cared deeply about social justice.

After Ivor died (2007) and after retiring, she looked for new ways to support her community.  June joined the Bonaventure Lions service club and was very proud of the work they did.  She decided to learn to quilt and joined a quilting guild.  She even took up clog dancing.   In the last 15 years of her life, June loved spending time with Lions friends, quilting friends, church friends, and family. She loved attending Battlefords Community Players productions and shows at the Dekker Centre.  She and Ivor loved to travel, and she continued to travel to many destinations, including New Zealand and Japan.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, community, and family that will go on to keep her spirit alive through them.

Surviving family members include her daughter, Kim (David); son, Brice (Delia), and son, Jamis; grandchildren: Andrew & Natalie Kyle; Daniel (Tanya), Jesus (Nathalie), Claudia (David), Saul (Alyssa), Adrian Newsham-Montano; Wolf, Calypso, & Soren Stewart; great-grandchildren: Mack, Paris, Ivor, Valentino, William, Mia, Orion, & Liam; sister, Christina Cook; brother, George Woodworth; sister-in-law, Margaret; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, Ivor; daughter, Shelagh; and son-in-law, Steve Edge; and her parents: Reta and John Charles Woodworth.

A Celebration of her life will be held at the Third Avenue United Church at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

• Date : 2023-11-27
• Location : North Battleford, SK