Cynthia Ann Bauchat Newton peacefully left this world July 14, 2023, to join the love of her life, Forrest Richard Newton, Colonel (Ret.,) who preceded her in death. They are survived by their only child, Dr. Kelly Marie Newton, a critical care physician in the metro Nashville area and her spouse, Stacy Lea (Carlton.)
Cynthia was born to Katherine Elaine Piotrowicz and Robert James Bauchat in Dearborn, Michigan. She is also survived by her siblings, Robert Bauchat (Erika) of Guaruja, Brazil, Karen Rang (Thomas) of Saline, MI, William Bauchat (Deborah) of Greensboro, GA, and Kristyn Hohnke (BJ) of Chelsea, MI as well as a large, loving, extended family.
Cindy attended Brighton High School in Brighton, MI where she was Homecoming Queen and a prolific performer in the drama club. She had high school chemistry with the Junior Class president and Captain of the Football team, Rick Newton. He always maintained it was her fault he nearly failed high school chemistry; they have been together since.
After graduating high school in 1967, she matriculated to Eastern Michigan University. Rick planned to join her but inspired by a significant family history of military service, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Remaining committed to one another, Rick and Cindy were married in 1970 and have been on a lifelong adventure since. Cindy transitioned from being the wife of a United States Marine to being the wife of a police officer, all while finishing her degree, becoming a teacher, helping Rick complete undergraduate and a master’s degree, and welcoming a daughter. During this time, her home became well known as a haven for animals. Rick would often bring home dogs from his patrol and Cindy would rehabilitate and rehome them as a one woman rescue operation.
After a successful law enforcement career and involvement in the United States Army Reserve, Rick was commissioned as an active duty Captain in the Military Police of the United States Army. As the ultimate Army Wife, Cindy moved the family throughout the world to include multiple overseas postings. Throughout her career as an Army Spouse, Cindy excelled in key positions, often volunteering. She taught reading to Military Brats as well as children from underserved school districts. She served as a tour guide at West Point, United States Military Academy. Her panache and natural storytelling ability made her a perfect fit and oft requested guide. As an elegant hostess, she instructed graduating West Point cadets in the art of the dinner party. At every posting, she served in the Officer’s Wives club and family support groups, often as President. Ever the advocate for soldiers, during deployments, she would be at Green Ramp to ensure their packages were sent and their stateside families had the resources they needed. It was not uncommon for soldiers to request her intercession with “the Colonel.”
Her efforts did not go unnoticed or unrecognized. She received the Commander’s Award for Public Service from the Department of the Army for meritorious service to the 728th Military Police Battalion in the Republic of Korea while serving as the President of the Daegu International Women’s association and as vice president of the officer and civilian wives club. After the Newton’s time with the Fifth Army in San Antonio, TX, she was presented with the Department of the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal which she received again from the Second Infantry Warrior Division; she was often recognized as the epitome of patriotic dedication to both the United States Army and her family.
Cindy loved her family and all facets of her life whether it was friend, daughter, sister, aunt, wife or mother. She loved to travel with her family, often researching, planning and executing magnificent trips. She loved all performance, dance, and theater, encouraging consumption and participation. She reveled in a good Broadway Musical but equally enjoyed a family production. While always stylish, and never without lipstick and earrings, she also enjoyed a great pizza and movie night, usually with a dog or two tucked in next to her, sharing whatever was on her plate. Her humor, style, generosity, huge capacity for love and dedication to those she cared for made her larger than life. She will be missed by all who had the honor and joy to know her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 7pm, Friday, August 11th at Weber’s Restaurant, 3050 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Bring your stories to share.
The Memorial Service and Visitation will be held Saturday, August 12th at Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home, 301 East Michigan Avenue, Saline, Michigan. Visitation will be 11am until noon; the memorial service to immediately follow. At the conclusion of the service, the family invites all to process to Oakwood Cemetery for a brief graveside service with military honors for Colonel (Ret) and Mrs. Rick and Cindy Newton.
Cindy loved flowers; contributions can also be made to the Greater Huntsville Humane Society or Tennessee Performing Arts Center in her honor.
