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Sue Peeler Newell was born on October 22, 1941, in Galveston, Texas. From her earliest days she moved through life with curiosity, grace, and a determination to do her best. Her father, Winston Snider Peeler, worked for Standard Oil/Amoco. The family relocated many times as he advanced his career. From Galveston to Texas City and later Stamford, Connecticut Sue learned the value of adaptability, adventure, and pursuing excellence in all she did — lessons that shaped her life and fueled her love of travel. She would later become the strong, steady woman behind her husband John, supporting him with wisdom, grace, and unwavering strength as he built a successful career as a businessman. Her family roots remained strong. Sue’s connection to the small town of Cameron, Texas and to her extended family was a source of enduring pride and joy. After losing her biological mother as a little girl, Sue was adoringly raised by Mary Frances Peeler who was the daughter of the Milam County Sheriff. The Blaylock Family lived below the county jail in a unique building on the town square that is now a museum. She taught Sue and her family the importance of manners, grace, and dignity — lessons which came to be lovingly called “Moomie’s Charm School” by family and close friends. Sue carried these lessons with her throughout her life. In 1960 Sue met the love of her life, John Robert Newell, at Ward’s Hot Dog Stand on Austin Highway. It was love at first sight. They attended Baylor University together (where Sue earned her degree in education) and were married on April 18, 1964, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Even after marriage, her life flourished across many cities. Their honeymoon to Jamaica sparked what became a lifelong love affair with the island and its people. But Jamaica was only the beginning. Sue traveled the world with friends and family, full of curiosity and joy. She returned home with inspiration, friendships, and stories to share. Her creativity knew no bounds — and occasionally included pranking friends and house guests. She and John lovingly rebuilt and decorated a château in France, pouring vision and heart into its restoration. Closer to home, Sue transformed multiple houses, each reflecting her refined eye and her gift for making spaces feel welcoming and beautiful. Whether in France, Jamaica, Texas, or Colorado, she had a rare ability to see what could be — and then bring it to life. Sue’s kitchen was another canvas. After training at culinary institutes in France, she became known for her extraordinary desserts, each scratch-made and served generously to family and friends. Some of her happiest hours were spent cooking alongside her best friend of 56 years, DeeAnn Simpson — sharing recipes, laughter, and life. Her faith remained the steady foundation beneath it all. Sue faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher at Trinity Baptist Church for 25 years — 17 of those years teaching with John by her side. Teaching children about the love of Christ was not simply a role she filled; it was an extension of who she was. Above all, Sue was devoted to her family. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Natalee Newell (Royce) and Noelle Newell Hollingsworth (Kevin); her beloved companion and four-legged, fluffy daughter, Bisou; her cherished grandchildren, Kristian Kleck Newell (Sara), Stefanie Chandler Newell, and Sloane Hollingsworth; her sister-in-law, Audrey Carole Peeler; her nieces, Michelle and Angie Peeler; beloved cousins, Drayton McLane Jr. (Elizabeth) and Madeline Ham; and many treasured friends, including those who joyfully celebrated her birthdays in her condo in recent years. Sue was preceded in death by her father, Winston Snider Peeler; her two mothers — her biological mother, who courageously risked her life to have children and passed away when Sue was a little girl, and Mary Frances Peeler, the mother who raised her; her beloved husband, John Robert Newell; her father and mother-in-law, Alton and Winifred Newell; her brother, Lee Chandler Peeler; her sister-in-law, Sharon Newell Shirley; and her nephew, Colin Peeler. The family is deeply grateful for the devoted caretakers who walked with Sue through her long journey with Alzheimer’s — Ali, Karen, Tammy, Viri, Juanita, Evie, Lorna, and many others — as well as her physician, Dr. Fernando Lopez. They also extend heartfelt thanks to dear friends DeeAnn and Skinner Simpson, Corinne Robichaux, Rachel Rodriguez, Russell Wright, Tom Harlan, Esther Aguilar, Araceli Rosas, Leti Guerrero, Richard Bartel, Martha Brkic, Cristina, Roland, Brian, Linval, AJ, Jerome, Natalie, Kimberly, Rick, Ordell, and Richard. A celebration of Sue’s remarkable life will be held at Mission Park @ Cherry Ridge in San Antonio, Texas on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. In honor of Sue’s vibrant and joyful spirit, family and friends are encouraged to wear bright, celebratory colors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support her beloved Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa through The Sundance Villa Family GoFundMe, Tryall Fund, or Hannover Charities. She was a perfectionist in the most generous sense — believing that beauty, effort, and faith deserved her very best.

Tributes

Sue Peeler Newell

October 22, 1941 - February 23, 2026