Dr. Bertha L. Newman, 86, Professor Emeritus, University of Southern California Medical School, passed away July 18, 2012, at her home south of Nampa, Idaho, following a sudden illness. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by people that she loved, and who loved her. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 23, at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, at 11:00 a.m. and a graveside dedication shortly thereafter at the Canyon Hill Cemetery.

Bert was born in Caldwell, Idaho, March 29, 1926, to Hubert and Bertha M. Newman. She was welcomed by two brothers, Ross and Stan. She attended Nampa schools, graduating in the class of 1944. She was long remembered by many not only for her academic achievements, but for being an outstanding athlete in several sports.

Bert earned her B.A. degree from the College of Idaho. While pursuing this degree, she also taught courses in anatomy/physiology to student nurses at Mercy Hospital. Her M.S. degree was earned from the University of Oregon, and her Ph.D degree from the University of Iowa, followed by two years of Post Doctoral work in physiology/biology at the University of Washington. She was blazing the trail for professional women, long before it was popular to do so.

In 1960 she began her 31 year teaching career in Neuroanatomy at the University of Southern California Medical School. This was an endeavor that she treasured for the rest of her life. She was asked recently why she pursued so much education, and she responded, "I just loved to teach and design courses."

Dr. Newman was honored by the College of Idaho in 1998, with their Half Century Alumni Life Achievement award. She was also honored by USC with their Distinguished Service Award, upon her retirement in 1991. She was the author of many publications, including A Guide for Neuroantomy, which is still being used today. She taught over 5,000 medical students during her career, several which remained her friends for life.

In 1992 Bert retired to her beloved Nampa, building her dream home. This was an undertaking that she enjoyed the rest of her life. Her love for music, newspapers, good books, sports and great friends continued to grow over the years.

Bert is survived by her brother Stan (Rose) Newman, nephew Gary Newman, nieces Sharon (Chuck) Binder, Vickie Binder, Judy (Don) Thomas, Bonnie Peters, and Marion (Loyd) Zahradnick, and many grandnieces and nephews. She is also survived by her close friend of many decades, Ginger Paull, and a list of close friends too numerous to name. Bert was preceded in death by her loving parents and her brother Ross.

The family would like to thank everyone at St. Lukes, Meridian, including her primary care doctors office who treated her like family for years, and the many friends that have been there for Bert and Ginger recently, which neither Bert or Ginger will ever forget. We have been blessed with the support group that helped through this difficult time.

Service Information Funeral Service Monday July 23, 2012 11:00 AM