Valmae Margaret Maher Newsome

Valmae Margaret Maher Newsome, 99, passed away February 16, 2021. Born in Melbourne, Australia on August 19, 1921, Mrs. Newsome spent most of her childhood and young adulthood in Sydney with the exception of a few years on Norfolk Island. She was the first child of Frank Maher and Jean Miller Maher. Her mother's family emigrated to Australia from Edinburgh, Scotland and her father was raised in New Zealand. At 10 years old, she was the youngest student to be admitted to Sydney All Girls High School. She enjoyed visiting the school's Facebook group page regularly.

Mrs. Newsome came to the United States in the 1940s, arriving in San Francisco, then living in New York. During her time in NY, she raised and showed Great Danes, including at Westminster. In 1952, she married in Charleston and raised her children through the 60s, 70s and 80s. When asked her favorite time in her life, she responded, "my 40s when I was a full-time Mom." She was a talented cook and particularly enjoyed baking. Her specialties were Lemon Meringue Pie and French Cream Puffs, which she mostly gave away to friends and neighbors. She was also a talented seamstress. In her limited free time during her child-rearing years, she enjoyed riding her horse, King; growing roses; and golfing with her friends, especially at Yeamans Hall. She also loved anytime spent at the beach.

When the children were young, she made sure they saw Australia and made stops along the way on the West Coast and Hawaii to see Disney and Honolulu. Numerous trips were taken each summer and fall to Western North Carolina to enjoy the mountains and all the parks along the way. She was a big supporter of the Boy Scouts, making sure the boys had everything they needed for campouts and summer camp at Camp Ho Non Wah on Wadmalaw Island. She was a big supporter of her daughter's cheerleading and school club activities.

She enjoyed traveling and loved history, especially that of Great Britain. She remained in the Charleston area throughout her life. Fiercely independent, she continued driving into her mid-90s, and adamant about maintaining her independence, she resided in her townhome until late December with only part-time assistance.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers over the past few weeks, including the caring and passionate doctors and nursing staff at Roper/St. Francis West Ashley, the talented and encouraging therapists at Roper Rehabilitation Hospital and the team at The Bridge at Charleston (Kate and Karen) who welcomed her so graciously to her new home. Words are insufficient to express our deep appreciation for the angels at Roper Hospice Cottage, Mt. Pleasant - Denice, George, Barbara, Jordan and Elizabeth, you are profoundly remarkable people. Thank you for your kind and gentle care and comfort. We could not have imagined a more spiritual, calming and comforting end-of-life journey.

We also want to share our deep gratitude for her personal caregivers and assistants, Rose Herring, Paressa Ramsey and Mary Swindell who helped her stay home over the past four years. To her wonderful neighbors, Dee and Michael Thomas, and Frank Miley, who checked on her regularly, we send big hugs. She was so grateful for your friendship. Special thanks to her friend Sharon Lane who was always there for her, and Kaye Moore who was a wonderful friend and spiritual guide. For Katherine "Kitty" Farias, she loved your visits and energetic conversations, especially your stories about England. To Mark Moore, who always stopped by to visit when in Charleston, she loved spending time with you and adored the Charleston sweetgrass baskets you gifted her. And to Erwin Oeller, her son-in-law, she loved you as a son and was so appreciative of your kind attention, care and thoughtfulness. To Nick Bradley, she loved you as a grandson and so enjoyed your yearly chats at Christmas lunch; she was so proud of you and your adventurous travels.

Mrs. Newsome is survived by her daughter, Melinda Oeller (Erwin) of Holly Hill, sons Scott Newsome (Kitty) of Charleston, Mark Newsome of Columbia, grandson, Nicholas Bradley, and her grand dogs, Tucker and Jack. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Jeannie Benson; brother, Frank Maher; and former husband, Forrest Bazel Newsome.

We will miss her bright spirit but rejoice in knowing she is whole again, reunited with her loving family and friends who passed before and are welcoming her home. A beach and bagpipes memorial service and celebration will be scheduled once the weather is warmer and more friends are able join. The family requests any memorial remembrances be sent to Roper St. Francis Foundation, with a designation that contributions go to Roper Hospice Cottage, 125 Doughty Street, Suite 790, Charleston 29403.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel.