Dorothy (Higgins) Newman passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 in her ninety-first year. Mrs. Newman was born August 5, 1925 in Heswall, England, the daughter of the late William and Georgian (Brierly) Higgins. She was the beloved wife of Henry Arthur Newman (Tex) whom passed on January 24, 1998. They were married in England on June 10, 1944. He was serving in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers while he was stationed in England during World War II. As a "war bride" and proud U.S. citizen, Dorothy became very involved in politics, serving as a Union Activist, Democratic Leader, and a National Delegate attending several National Democratic Conventions. She was a prominent leader for women's rights. Dorothy was employed by General Motors in Grand Rapids and as an active member of the UAW for her entire career. She also was a professor at Black Lake Educational Center and was employed by the AFLCI0 in Lansing after her retirement from General Motors. Dorothy had a very persuasive nature and genuine kindness to others. She was very passionate about helping others and trying to make a difference. She was also a cherished wife, mother and grandmother to her family. Dorothy is preceded in death by her son, Michael Newman. She is survived by her son, Stephen (Nancy Kreis) Newman and daughter-in-law Sherry (Orman) Newman; Grandchildren: Christopher (Amanda) Newman, Alex Newman, Tracy Pearson, Katie (Jon) Ehrlich, Jeffrey Newman, and Stephanie (Joseph) Rotsinger; Great-Grandchildren: Chelsea Newman, Clayton Newman, Kenzie Newman, Kaley Ratering, Taylor Ehrlich, Whitney Ehrlich, and Hunter Newman; and Great-Great-Grandchild: Johan Newman. Dorothy had nine brothers: Bill, Sid, Cliff, Ralph, Fred, Wally, George, Sam, and Jim. She had one sister, Marie. She had numerous nieces and nephews. In Canada, she has surviving relatives Gary Abrams (Valery deceased), David (Carole) Higgins, Trish Eagleson (David deceased), and Keith (Marilyn). In United States, she is survived by Kathleen Coffee (John deceased) and Evelyn (William) Kolean. In England, she is survived by her brother, Jim Higgins (Marina), sister-in-laws: Marjorie Higgins (Ralph deceased), Pauline Higgins (Sid deceased), and Fairrie Higgins (George deceased); and sister, Marie Dippie (David). Friends may meet with the family on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 1-2pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (134 Division Ave. North, Grand Rapids), where the funeral service will be held at 2pm, Pastor Sue York officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Dorothy's name to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Labor Heritage Society of West Michigan, or Wyoming Senior Center.