Veronica Amber Newton assumed room temperature (Veronica said this frequently and was her favorite joke) on May 4, 2023, at Rose Harbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Veronica was born on July 2, 1942, in Allegan, Michigan to Clifford and Mary (Cooley) Newton. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1961 and joined the US Army, serving for three years. While serving in the Army, Veronica was stationed in Germany and became a connoisseur of beer, which became a lifelong passion and began the quest for the perfect pint. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Veronica returned to Kalamazoo and joined The Upjohn Company where she worked for over 30 years, until retiring.

Always up for a road trip, Veronica enjoyed family vacations in Northern Michigan, Frankenmuth and Fort Myers Beach, FL where new breweries were explored and evaluated. She also enjoyed attending Oktoberfest, Pulaski Days, the Coast Guard Festival and All That Jazz at the KIA where she enjoyed listening to the live music, and of course, having a pint. In her earlier years, Veronica took to the skies with her private pilot license, visiting multiple Michigan towns in her Cessna. She also enjoyed camping in Michigan’s state parks and paddling her canoe in many of our local lakes and rivers.

Veronica loved dogs, particularly Boxers, and had many over the years. In her final days she talked much about her dogs and how she wanted to reunite with them. Dogs were always welcome in her home, and she was always willing to dog sit.

Veronica was a history buff, who would often be found reading nonfiction or watching documentaries. Little could interfere with her favorite shows on PBS or the History Channel. Her depth of knowledge about aviation history and World War II was impressive.

Veronica had a gift for fixing anything that was broken and was often called by her children for help around their homes. Veronica also restored vintage jukeboxes and was quite proud of her Wurlitzer 1015.

Veronica is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Richard Newton.

She is survived by her children, Michelle Newton, Heather McLogan, Angela (Jon Bender) Newton and Shawn (Erin) Newton, and their mother, Nadine Newton. Veronica is also survived by her grandchildren, Catherine, Ian and Charles Blair, Luke and Liliana McLogan, Paige Bender, Ella Ledbetter-Newton and Cash and Wyatt Newton; as well as her brother, Daniel (Cindy) Newton and her nephew, Daniel Newton, jr.

Veronica’s family would like to thank the staff at Rose Harbor Hospice for the care, empathy and support provided during a difficult and challenging journey.

The family of Veronica will host a celebration of life at the Fraternal Order of Eagles (her happy place), 1332 Branch Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 5:00-8:00 pm. Please join us to raise pint and toast Veronica.