Obituaries

Leila Harrison Newman
March 27, 1920-June 30, 2016
Leila was born in Bronx NY, growing up during the Great Depression and graduating from Hunter College, later becoming a CPA. She and her beloved Bennett married just before he enlisted in the Air Force and left to fight in World War II. Moving to Pacific Palisades from Long Island in 1971, after the kids were gone, Leila called Los Angeles paradise. Leila and Bennett were active in the group “Beyond War”; they travelled extensively and had the opportunity to meet with Soviet citizens and leaders, doing their part to help end the pain and destruction of the cold war. Leila helped Russian immigrants learn English and become integrated into American society.
Leila lived a remarkable 96 years of life to the fullest, never wanting to miss out on anything. She was engaged and active in all areas of life. In 1995, she moved (only physically) from the Palisades to Santa Monica where she loved living with a view of the Pacific. Leila was a long time member of the Palisades Democratic Club, PLATO and Kehillat Israel. She loved playing bridge, tennis (into her 90’s), swimming, attending theater and movies, but most of all she treasured her family, survived by daughter Laurie Newman (Robin Berkovitz), son Robert Newman (Rita), and daughter-in-law Darla Newman. Her son, John, preceded her in death. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Apple Rice (Andrew), Jennie (Amanda), Jeff, Jacob, Ben and Eliana Newman, Sean Rimes (Carrie), her great grandchildren, Noah and Parker, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Lilia Wilshire and Maria Quiusky were Leila’s loving caretakers who made the end of her life the best it could be.
Funeral will be on Sunday, July 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Memorial Park. Donations in Leila’s memory may be sent to The Newman Homeless Fund at Kehillat Israel.