Ingrid Newlin, spouse of retired Covenant pastor Ron Newlin, passed away on September 21, 2024, in Saukville, Wisconsin. She was 78.
Ingrid Rafor was born to parents Rev. Otto and Karoline Rafos on December 24,1945, in Concord, Massachusetts. Ingrid spent her early years in Chicago, where she was raised alongside her three sisters, Terri Njaa, Sigrunn Hulburt, and Asta Solie. After graduating from Illinois State Teachers College, she began a career as an educator.
On June 29, 1968, Ingrid married Ronald Newlin and together they moved to Connecticut where they raised four children, Lisa, Rebecca, Andrew, and Marit. They created a home that was a haven of love and care. During those years, they were members of Granby Covenant Church and spent many summers at Pilgrim Pines Camp and Retreat Center in Swanzey, New Hampshire. In 2006, Ingrid and Ronald moved to Saukville, Wisconsin, to be closer to their families in Chicago and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
As a bivocational minister and social worker, Ron served as pastor of Colebrook Congregational Church in Colebrook, Connecticut; and as interim pastor of West Hartford Covenant Congregational Church in West Hartford, Connecticut; Salem Covenant Church in Washington Depot, Connecticut; Hillside Covenant Church in Naugatuck, Connecticut; Orchard Covenant Church in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts; Orange Covenant Church in Orange, Massachusets; and Weiben Community Church in Westfield, Massachusetts.
Ingrid’s deep faith and dedication to her church community were central to her life. She was active in church choirs, with a particular love for hymns. She loved the annual Christmas tradition of hearing Handel’s Messiah. Ingrid had a unique gift for hospitality, always welcoming newcomers and fostering a sense of community. Her ability to connect with others created lasting bonds and a strong sense of belonging wherever she went.
In her spare time, Ingrid enjoyed puzzles, knitting, baking, gardening, and she cherished moments spent with family and friends. At the Newlin house, you could always find a cup of coffee! Above all, she was a loving mother and grandmother, finding immense joy in the lives of her four children and 13 grandchildren.
Ingrid is survived by her beloved husband, Ronald; their children, Lisa Dunn, Rebecca Gotwald, Andrew Newlin, and Marit Ecker; and their 13 grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
A memorial service was held on September 29, 2024, at Parkside Community United Church of Christ in Saukville, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ingrid’s memory to Parkside Community Church or the Ozaukee Food Alliance in Saukville.
Peace be to her memory.
