Honoring Steve Newman: Handmade Blankets Deliver Warmth and Kindness 

Karen Newman (left) and Lynn Gale (right) delivered the 35 blankets to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in February 2025.

This month, Lynn Gale and Karen Newman delivered 35 handmade blankets to Sturdy Memorial Hospital, each lovingly crafted and donated in memory of Steve Newman — Karen’s husband and Lynn’s dear friend and former colleague. Every blanket carries a custom-sewn tag that reads: “In Memory of Steve — share warmth and kindness.”

A Legacy of Dedication and Community 

Over the course of 37 years, Steve Newman was a dedicated teacher, Dean of Students, and track coach at Attleboro High School. In the mid 90s, he took great pride in being the Director of the Attleboro Teen Center. He later finished his career as a beloved sociology and history teacher at Bishop Feehan High School. Throughout his life, Steve was deeply committed to mentoring students, fostering a spirit of excellence, and uplifting the Attleboro community. His impact was so profound that the Attleboro High School’s track was named in his honor. 

After Steve passed away on August 7, 2024, his wife, Karen, was deeply moved by the compassionate care he received at Sturdy Memorial Hospital. Touched by Karen’s gratitude and stories of kindness, her friend Lynn felt inspired to create a meaningful tribute — handmade blankets to bring warmth and comfort to hospital patients in Steve’s memory.

Sharing Warmth in Steve’s Name

"During Steve’s time at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, the care he received was incredible, leaving a lasting impression on me and his family," said Lynn. "To express my gratitude to the compassionate team who supported Steve, I created these blankets as a gesture of warmth and comfort. Each one is made with love, offering patients a sense of care during their stay — and something to take home as a reminder that they are not alone." 

At Sturdy Memorial Hospital, we are honored to be part of this touching tribute. Steve’s legacy lives on, not only through the countless lives he impacted as an educator and mentor but also through the kindness that continues in his name. Inspired by Steve’s spirit of generosity, Lynn hopes this act of kindness will encourage others in the Attleboro community to carry forward his legacy of warmth, compassion, and care.