Dorothy (Mealey) Newsome

Dorothy M. Newsome, 89, of Doylestown, and formerly of Hatboro passed on August 12, 2017.

Dorothy was a dedicated Republican and devoted herself to public service.

Mrs. Newsome’s public service and political career began shortly after she moved to the Hatboro area as a newlywed.  In 1958 she became a Republican Committeewoman in the Borough, a post she held continuously until moving out of the area in 1983.  She additionally served as State Committeewoman from 1966 through 1972.  In 1964, Mrs. Newsome became the first woman elected to the Hatboro Borough Council, a post she held for 8 years.  When she returned to the area in 1986. She sought and won election to her old seat.  In 1995 she was distinguished as the first woman elected to the post of President of the Montgomery County Boroughs Association.  Mrs. Newsome served as the Chair of Councils Environmental Protection and Public Health Committees.  For many years she served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Council Association.

In February 1996, she was selected to be a member of the Pennsylvania Honor Roll of Woman after receiving a Citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, wherein her sponsor, The Honorable Roy W. Cornell honored her with the following comment:

“Dottie is exceptionally talented and demonstrates outstanding ability, commitment and dedication to public service.  I believe she has truly earned the deep respect and gratitude for her devotion to the welfare of the people she serves.  I am immensely proud and honored to nominate her.” ROY W. CORNELL

In her business career, she was the resident manager of a 60 unit townhouse complex.  She later managed a bookstore, before opening and managing one of her own for 8 years in Hatboro.  She also worked with the Welcome Wagon International, first as a hostess, then Field Manager, and promoted to District Supervisor of the Bucks/Philadelphia region.  She retired from the business world in 1996 as the Director of the Montgomery County Information Center’s regional office in Hatboro, but continued to fulfill her political responsibilities. 

She was awarded the “Hatboro Republican of the Year” in 1997.

To the member of several generations she will be remembered as “Mrs. Santa Claus” in the Hatboro Parade, a pleasure which she enjoyed for more than 40 years.

Throughout her career, she has been most proud of her family, she and her husband Fred Newsome married in 1947, and raised 5 children.  Sadly Fred preceded her death in January of 2007.  She is survived by her children Bette Jean Newsome-Rubel, Lynn Anne Dorio, Richard F. Newsome, Matthew G. Newsome, and Mark E. Newsome, her 10 grandchildren and 2 great grand children.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Memorial Service on Thursday August 17, 2017 at 12pm at the John J. Bryers Funeral Home, 406 N Easton RD., Willow Grove PA 19090.  Visitation from 11am to 12pm. 

Interment to follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

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