Dorothy Mae Newman

Dorothy Maruska Newman, of Taylor, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024; just shy of her 99th birthday.  She was born on September 12, 1925, to parents, Joe and Lydia Pavelka, of Thrall, Texas.  She was baptized and confirmed in the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Thrall and was a member of Taylor Brethren Church.

She graduated from Thrall High School in 1944.  She then went to nursing school and began to work as a nurse at the Stromberg Hospital in Taylor.  She met and married her husband, George Maruska, the father of her two sons, Gary and John.  For 53 years, she worked in various hospitals, clinics, doctor offices, nursing homes, and private duty as an L.V.N.  She enjoyed her work, patients, and friends. In addition to being an exceptional mother, she was a very strong, determined woman with a giving heart who worked tirelessly; days, nights, and weekends to support and provide for her two sons.

Dorothy was a charter member of the Texas and the Williamson County League of Vocational Nurses and served in various offices for the V.F.W. Auxiliary, St. Vincent De Paul, and the Christian Sisters of the Brethren Church.

Dorothy was devoted to her family and loved them very much.  She knew what was important to her, caring for and loving them.  She enjoyed traveling, dancing, yard work, exercising and most of all, being “Nana”.  She will be missed by all who know her, but our love will live on in our hearts and memories forever.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, George Maruska and Norm Newman; sisters, Irene Beard and Joyce Simmons.

She is survived by her sons, Gary and wife, Annette Maruska; John and wife, Barbara Maruska; four grandchildren, Yvette Lowry and husband, Chance; Dr. Matt Maruska and wife, Kendi; Kyle Maruska and wife, Sherri; April Callihan and husband, Seth; ten great-grandchildren, Cole (Megan) Lowry, Gage (fiancée Kaylie) Lowry, Gunner Lowry, Tate Maruska, Tess Maruska, Rylee Jo Maruska, Tori Maruska, Charli Callihan, and Jaci Callihan; and one great-great-grandchild, Linley Lowry.

Pall bearers are Matt Maruska, Kyle Maruska, Cole Lowry, Gage Lowry, Gunner Lowry, and Tate Maruska.  Honorary pall bearers are Chance Lowry, Seth Callihan, Steve Hodges, Rylee Jo Maruska, Charli Callihan, and Jace Callihan.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Taylor Brethren Church, followed by the funeral service starting at 1:30 PM.  The interment will be at Taylor City Cemetery after the service.