Oneta Newton

Oneta Newton was born July 1, 1937 to Inez and Wilbert Newton in Christ Church Barbados. As a young adult, she earned her living as a housekeeper and caught the attention of Kenneth Sinclair of who she would later wed. While in Barbados, she began her family with the birth of her first three children; Frank, Juanita, and Monica. A few years later, Oneta migrated to London, England where she began a career working in the local hospital. During her time in London, she and Kenneth Sinclair sealed their commitment to each other in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by the love of family and friends. Oneta also went on to bless the world with two more daughters, Kathy and Sonya before making a final migration to the US in 1978. Her US career began at MIT. She later went on to work at the Perkins School for the Blind, Harvard University, and then settling into her final role as a foster grandparent. 

From a young girl, Oneta always made every effort to show her friends and family how much she appreciated them. Commonly referred to as “Neat”, “Auntie Neat”, and “The Sweetbread Lady”, she was always revered as a loving support and dear friend to all who knew her with no misunderstanding that she didn’t stand for any nonsense. Her love shined through in so many ways. She was well known for her hosted parties in London, cooking and baking, which she regularly sold on the cricket field in Boston. Another one of her favorite hobbies was knitting and crocheting. Her baby hat, jacket, blanket, booty sets were loved by many and highly requested. 

Despite living such a busy life, she still found time to enjoy going on cruises, community bus rides, and going to bingo. She also loved attending church of which St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church grew to become like a second home to her. Sharing in prayer and laughter was something she cherished very much. One job that held a special place in Oneta’s heart, was being a Foster Grandparent. For over 20 years Oneta dedicated her time every week at the Moses Youth Center in Cambridge assisting the teachers to provide loving care to the children of the center. All of the children became her child as she loved her time with them dearly. Oneta held on tight and took so much pride in her role, which is why it made perfect sense that her choice not to return due to her declining health was one of the hardest decisions she had to make. 

As the great monarch of the family, and beloved daughter of Inez Newton, she was the eldest of 12 children; Grandville, Winston, Merton, Valerie, David, Gordon, Joseph, Levi, Anna, Douglas (deceased), & godfrey The power of her love also extended through her five children : Frank, Juanita, Monica, Kathy, and Sonya; 11 grandchildren : Anthony, Christopher, Joel, Jonathan, Kamari, Lance, Samantha, Sandra, Sean, Shania, and Yvette; 14 great grandchildren, 34 grandnephews and nieces, and one great grandniece, and her daughter-in-law. Her honorary daughter: Maxine Roberts; honorary granddaughter: Tiah McLaren. 

THANK YOU 

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of the VNA Hospice & Palliative Care, Dr. Dejam, Dr. Stempek, and Dr. Mueller of Harvard Vanguard Kenmore for the continuous loving commitment to her care. Thank you to Elder Services Cambridge and the Amyloidosis Center at Boston Medical Center. We would also like to thank St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church and A.J. Spears Funeral Home for their warmth, kindness, and assistance in providing the funeral arrangements. 

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