Betty Newman

Betty R. Newman, 89, of North Caldwell died May 16, 2016. Born in New York City, she resided for 36 years in West Orange before moving to Short Hills in 1992, where she lived until last year. 

At the age of 47, Mrs. Newman began her career as a teacher at Newark Academy in Livingston. For the next 25 years she taught such courses as advanced placement U.S. history and government and mentored hundreds of students. She was also instrumental in creating the school’s community service program and spent a number of years coaching the girls’ varsity tennis team.

She was a graduate of Cornell University and obtained a master’s degree in political science from Columbia University.

A supporter of Israel and Jewish charities in northern New Jersey, she was also active in Democratic politics, serving as vice president of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey and as a member of the West Orange Zoning Board. 

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As a lifelong athlete, she played competitive golf, tennis, and bridge. She served on the board of Community Agencies Corporation in Newark, through which she was involved with SCEEP, a tutoring and mentoring program that she linked with student volunteer tutors at Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell. After her retirement, she engaged in volunteer work at the Wae Center in West Orange, an enrichment center for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Richard, in 1999, she is survived by two sons, John (Ann) and Scott (Wendy), and four grandchildren. 

Services were held May 17 with arrangements by Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, Livingston. Memorial contributions may be made to Betty Newman Scholarship Fund at Newark Academy.