Mary Breen

Mary Christine Breen, 97, of Newton passed away Friday, June 9, 2023 at her home. Born August 19th, 1925 she was the daughter of the late Charles Bradley Shanaman and Lula Jane Shanaman. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, James E. Breen.

She is survived by two daughters Cheryl Duncan (Stan) and Melissa Breen and daughter-in-law Lynda Huffman. She also had a son, James Christopher Breen, who preceded her in death. She has 5 grandchildren J. Paul Duncan, Christina Downward (Jason), Nicholas Matthews, Shanna Rae Gueltzow (Sean) and Joshua Locklar; and six great-grandchildren Jacob Downward (Brianna), Diana Gonzales (Abraham), Aubrey Gueltzow, Harper Gueltzow, Cade Gueltzow, and June Locklar. She also had many nieces and nephews.

Mary was a gifted artist, seamstress and operatic vocalist. She traveled the world with her husband and children supporting her family and her husband. She graduated with a bachelor's degree from West Virginia Weslyan College. During her college life, she was part of the sorority Kappa Sigma Pi, and dedicated herself to the violin and vocals. She was a member of various choirs, in South America, Germany and the United States. In her lifetime, she learned to paint, wrote books and poems, was an avid gardener, seamstress, and ceramics artist. She dedicated her life to learning and living life to the fullest. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them more than anything. She lived life well and positively touched so many lives. She will be missed.

The family will hold a Memorial Service on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. The burial will follow in the fall, in Bristol, Florida. If interested in attending the memorial service or burial, please contact her daughter, Cheryl.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Breen family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.