A Life of Music, Love, and Magic

Frances “Fran” Edith Newman (née Belanger)

May 13, 1946 – October 23, 2025

Frances “Franny” Edith Newman passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, surrounded by love, at the age of 79. Born on May 13, 1946, in Windsor, Ontario, to Frederick Belanger and Geraldine (Primeau), Franny was one of four sisters — Marilynn, Susan, and Shelley — all of whom she has now lovingly joined.

Our mom’s story is one of love, laughter, music, and magic — a beautiful life lived in full color. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a cherished friend to all who knew her. Her heart belonged to her husband and soulmate, Robert “Bobby” Newman — her partner in every song, every adventure, and every shared meal surrounded by friends, neighbors, musicians, and family. Their love was a symphony that played for decades — a duet that could fill both a novel and a jukebox.

She was a proud and loving mother to Denise Newman-Tramble (Steve) and Jared Newman (Jennifer), and a deeply adoring grandmother to Emily and Joel — her greatest joys.

Her love for animals and rescuing her beautiful cats. Her love extended far and wide to her many nieces and nephews, step grandchildren, aunts & uncles , cousins , who were each special to her in their own way. Ma also leaves behind countless friends she called family, for when our Mom loved you, you were family for life. Among them was her lifelong friend Dorothy,Dot, whom she cherished dearly since they were little girls — a friendship that stood the test of time, distance, and every season of life.

Ma lived with unstoppable energy and endless creativity. For over 50 years, she was a performer and entertainer who could light up any room or stage — from cozy campgrounds and hometown halls to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and venues across Hawaii, California, Alaska, Michigan, and beyond. With Bobby by her side and two kids in tow, she sang and laughed her way through life — even through battles with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and even a broken collarbone, pain she rarely let others see.

When she stepped on stage, the world lit up. Her laughter, her sparkle, her voice — she could turn an ordinary night into pure joy. She delighted audiences with songs like Rubber Ducky , Patsy Cline, Hello Dolly ( Louis Armstrong ) and the Mickey Mouse Club theme, & so many more bringing smiles to faces young and old. From the 1960s through the 2000s, she sang it all — always alongside Bobby, “the keyboard genius,” and their band Sandharp , with band members that were family. Together they created music, memories, and magic. Her children sang with them too occasionally sneaking them in — “The Newman’s Four,” harmonizing beautifully, especially during Christmas when they’d go door to door caroling, flute and cookies in hand, spreading cheer wherever they went.

Ma’s creativity extended far beyond music. She was an artist whose imagination knew no limits. Halloween was her favorite holiday, and her costumes were legendary. She didn’t just paint — she created worlds. Whether it was a canvas, a coconut, a stone, or a simple clothespin, she transformed it into something extraordinary. Her “Frans Touch” one of a kinds , have made their way around the world — each one carrying her heart, her humor, and her endless creativity. If you’re lucky enough to own one, you hold a true treasure. Please share her art proudly — it’s a piece of her spirit.

Few knew that before her life on stage, Ma was a nurse — a natural caregiver who tended to others with compassion and quiet grace. Later, she poured that same love into her community in Marathon, Florida, where she and Bobby made their home. She organized bingo nights, bringing laughter and connection to so many, and became known for her famous egg salad sandwiches, which always sold out in minutes.

And then there was her cooking — oh, the food, the laughter, the warmth that filled her kitchen. She fed the neighborhood with love: pumpkin pies, cabbage rolls, butter tarts, pecan sandies, and that unforgettable TBQ sauce that no one could ever replicate quite like her. No one ever left her home hungry — or without a story, a laugh, or a memory.

Ma was strong, joyful, and oh so stubborn in the best way, and fiercely loving. She lived every day with purpose, heart, and humor. To know her was to be entertained, cared for, and wrapped in her kindness. She had a way of making everyone feel special — and of reminding us all how beautiful life can be when you fill it with love, music, and creativity.

This isn’t goodbye. It’s a love story that will live on forever — for a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister-in-law , an aunty , a sister, a friend, an artist, a nurse, and a woman whose life was truly a masterpiece.

A Life of Music, Love, and Magic — that was our Ma

She will be missed beyond words, but her melody will play in our hearts forever.

There will be a place and time for a special gathering to be held at a later date to share happy memories, laughter, and stories — just as she would have wanted and requested. When the time comes , she and her loving husband Bobby , our Pa will be scattered at sea in the Florida keys  Together again forever  

Please share your stories, photos, or memories — she wanted people to smile, to remember, and to celebrate.

In her honor, plant a tree or perennials or make a donation to:

Vitas Hospice Healthcare

9408 SW 87th Ave., Suite 107, Miami, FL, 33176

whose care helped bring her peace.

Night night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.

If they do, take your shoe, crack ’em red, white, and blue… and purple too!

We love you, our beautiful mom, wife, grandmother, and friend.

You will be deeply missed — but never, ever forgotten.

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