Kathleen M. Newton

Kathleen Marie Newton, affectionately known as Kathy, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026. Born on April 16, 1961, in Dayton, Ohio. Kathy lived a life marked by kindness, love, and a radiant spirit that touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A graduate of Alter High School’s Class of 1979 and the University of Dayton’s Class of 1983, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Arts. Kathy carried a lifelong passion for creativity and community throughout her journey. She was employed at Snyder Concrete Products for over twenty years, a testament to her dedication and strong work ethic. Alongside her professional career, Kathy devoted over two decades as a volunteer photographer at the Cincinnati Zoo, capturing the magnificent beauty of the animals and vibrant zoo events with a keen eye and tender heart. Her love for photography extended beyond the zoo. She often photographed many family gatherings, weddings and often spending serene moments at Carillon Park photographing the eagles, bringing nature’s splendor into sharp, heartfelt focus.

Those who were fortunate to know Kathy remember her for her, loving, kind and welcoming nature, her unwavering Faith in God, her sweet and grateful heart, her infectious sense of humor, and the unfailing support she offered to family and friends alike. Family gatherings were brighter because of her presence; moments spent with her were treasured, marked by laughter, shared memories, and the joy of simply being together.

Kathy’s personal joys extended beyond her professional and volunteer work. She found great comfort and companionship in the company of her beloved cats, sharing her nurturing spirit with her feline family members who, alongside her brother Bill (and his wife Julie), her niece Lyndsey Carmack (and Lyndsey’s daughter Olive), the entire Hamman family, and her extended Cincinnati Zoo family, remain her living legacy. Along with many other extended family and dear friends, they cherish her memory and the lasting impact she made on their lives.

Kathy was preceded in death by her loving parents, Bill and Patti Newton, many other family members and fur babies, and her fiancé, Roger Hamman. Though she has left this world, the imprint of her kindness, her laughter, and the moments shared through her photographs will forever live on in the hearts and minds of all who loved her.

As we remember Kathy, we celebrate a woman whose kindness and warmth illuminated every room she entered, whose passion for life and nature enriched us all, and whose gentle presence will be profoundly missed. Her spirit endures in the abundant love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the precious photographs that tell the story of a life beautifully lived.

A Celebration of Kathy's Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3940 Kettering Blvd.

To share a memory of Kathy or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.