Not sure whether it was a leprechaun or a Christmas Elf, but for sure, one of them was at Ed and Georgette Newins’ house in Hazlet this week. Years ago, when the couple were at Blarney Castle, Ed bought a pair of Claddagh rings for himself and Georgette.
Claddagh
Claddagh is the Gaelic word for Shore, a fitting gift for a couple who live in Hazlet. The two hands holding a crown are the Irish symbol of love and loyalty, characteristics obvious in this couple who were married and remained fiercely in love for nearly 70 years.
Loss
So when Georgette lost her ring years later, she wasn’t wearing jewelry any more so just seeing Ed’s was enough to keep her happy.
More than a year ago, Ed discovered he must have misplaced his claddagh ring someplace because all of a sudden, it was nowhere to be found. He searched all the dresser drawers, the house, underneath the bed and furniture, out in the yard, near the garden where they always set. There was no ring to be found.
The Replacement
So Ed did the next best thing. He went to an Irish shop to purchase another ring. Not one as valuable, not one as filled with memories, but one that Georgette could see on his finger and smile and think of memories.
Life went on in its usual way. Cleaning people did their regular housekeeping chores around the house, gardeners continued to rake and mow, the Belgian block patio was scrubbed and cleaned on a regular basis. Seasons came and went.
The original Claddagh was forgotten.
Found
Until this week. Ed had some stale bagels in the breadbox he wanted to get rid of. So he ripped them into pieces and opened the door to throw them out to the birds and squirrels.
Suddenly a shiny object on the Belgian blocks caught his eye and he wondered what it could be. He went over, stooped down to pick it up, and voila! It was the original claddagh ring! The one that had been lost years before.
How it appeared wedged between two Belgian block, caught in the moss that grows In the spaces between, and weathering for different seasons will forever be a mystery.
But you can see the smile on Ed’s face as he holds the ring up for Georgette to smile at and admire.
And both share some Irish memories of the past.
There is a sad final chapter to this story. Georgette passed away quietly surrounded with the love of Ed and their children Friday night, December 9
This is her obituary as prepared by Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Hazlet.
Obituary
Georgette,” Sissy”, Newins 87, of Hazlet, passed away peacefully; surrounded by family at home, on Saturday, December 10, 2022.
She was born Helen Georgette Ravel on Sept. 19, 1935 in New York City. She was raised in Washington Heights and worked as a Legal Secretary for A&P Corp in the Graybar Building above Grand Central Station.
On October 23, 1954, she married the Love of her Life, Edward John and they eventually moved from Chelsea to Hoboken prior to moving to Hazlet in 1960 where the family has remained.
Georgette and Ed also enjoyed their Golden Retirement years in homes in Key Largo and Naples, Florida. An avid First Mate, Georgette spent many years boating and fishing from the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor , where she proudly won a fluke contest, for the biggest “catch”. She cherished the friendships formed over the years as a member of the AH Yacht Club.
Georgette was active in local politics, serving as a District Leader, was President of the Union Ave. School P.T.O, and taught Ballet for the Hazlet Recreation Department. Many Hazlet residents may recall seeing her beautiful smile over the years as the Receptionist/Scheduler for Doctors Seril, Montserrat and Garruto. Her elegance, quick wit, warmth and empathy were ever apparent.
She was predeceased by her parents Helen (Dwyer) Ravel and Pius John Ravel, and two infant brothers, Arthur and Jackie. Georgette is survived by her adoring husband Edward John, her loving children Edward Newins, Jr. and his wife Mary Shawn, of Whitsett, NC , Kimberly (Herer) Flynn and her husband Terra of Hazlet & Toms River, Victoria O’Connor and her husband Jerry of Howell and Navarre, and Elizabeth Straub of Middletown along with 11 Grandchildren – Krystal Kaplan and her husband Michael, Regina Young and her husband Colon, Rachael Herer, Robert Herer, John Straub, James Herer, Kyle Newins, Faith Newins, Eric Straub, Jerry O’Connor, Natalie Straub and her most precious Great Grandson Michael Patrick Kaplan.
Georgette was an icon of fashion, beauty and style with a particular panache for shoes and diamonds. She was one of a kind and will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. Family and friends are invited to visit from 4-7 P.M. Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3269 State Highway 35N., Hazlet. A prayer service will be offered during visiting hours. In respect of Georgette’s wishes, she will be privately cremated. For information, directions or to send condolences to the family, visit www.shorepointfh.com.
