Carolyn Clark “Lyn” Newsom
Carolyn Clark “Lyn” Newsom, age 79, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from complications during a scheduled procedure at Christiana Hospital.
Born in South River, NJ in 1946, she was the eldest of four children of the late Robert Charles and Carolyn Marie (Appleby) Clark. Lyn attended Penn State University, where she earned a master’s degree in education and was an ardent fan of the Nittany Lions. In college she served as president of her sorority and later became president of the National Science Olympiad and Junior League, roles that reflected her natural gift for leadership and community. She was a dedicated science teacher, first at Brandywine High School and later at Concord High School, where she taught for many years. Lyn received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named Teacher of the Year, which gave her the opportunity to visit the White House and meet multiple presidents.
Outside of her professional career, Lyn was the proud mother of one son, Brad. As a truly devoted parent she cherished him throughout her life and would do anything for him. As a single mother, she overcame many challenges while advancing in her career and remaining active in the community through the Junior League, the Episcopal Church, book club and other local organizations.
She is survived by her son, Bradley Clark Newsom (Rebecca Northrop); her siblings Robert Clark, Parma Clark, and Beverly Zehr; and step-grandchildren Jacob, Casey, and Kelly Orledge from Brad’s previous marriage to Carol Morrison.
A celebration of life will begin at 2 pm on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, 505 East Buck Road, Wilmington, DE. Interment will be held privately in Old Tennent Cemetery in New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Science Olympiad charity by clicking here.
Alexandra Lehr-Maunder
Lyn organized and led our Adult Education class at Immanuel Highlands during the Covid years. We cherish our memories of her, her earnest , practical ways, her girlish giggle, her faith. We will remember her with great fondness!
Bob Maunder and Alex Lehr-Maunder
Juley Harper
I was the 2001 DE TOY and Lyn took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. She was a wonderful person. Praying for you and your family.
Karen Cloud
Ms. Newsom taught me 9th-grade science at Concord. I was fortunate to continue my association with her when I returned to Concord as an English teacher later.
When working at school, at district, and other roles, Ms. Newsom was passionate about how to make science engaging for students to maximize learning.
Rest well, Ms. Newsom. I know how lucky I am to have you as a teacher.
Nancy (Stead) Gilbert
Lyn was so supportive of me during my time in Brandywine School District. She mentored all of us in the science department. I’ll always remember her strength and sense of humor.
Liz Kitching
I’ve been Lyn’s Nurse Practitioner for over a year now and we developed a wonderful relationship. I am shocked and saddened and angry to hear of her passing. I always looked forward to seeing her monthly. She always had updates on her luncheons at the Devon, wanted to brag about her son, Brad, and always remembered what I was doing and asked about my family. I will miss Lyn very much and extend my condolences to Brad, of whom she sang high praises- You were her proudest accomplishment by far. I will miss Lyn’s smile and her hugs after every appointment.
Joann Kingsley
Please accept my most sincere condolences on Lyn’s passing. She was a bright light in many people’s lives and a cherished friend to me. My heart goes out to Brad and the extended family.
Mary laskaris
Lynn was smart , Lynn and I became really nice friends – very respectful of each other and our individual views of situations that we both cared about. I had great respect for her! I will miss our almost daily chats! , mostly in the garage as I was going to work and she would be going to breakfast.
My sincere condolences to Brad and family ..Lynn loved Brad more than anything in the world !!
Mary Laskaris
Vanderlyn DowningWebster
To beloved Brad and family, your Mom was my friend for over 40 years through Junior League and Christ Church. She had the most loving way about her. She faced such challenging health issues with positivity and stalwart optimism. She loved you so! I will miss her.
Christina Nottingham
Ms. Newsom was my 9th grade physical science teacher. She was the reason I loved physical science and at one point a physics major. She had a great enthusiasm for teaching. Sending prayers to her family.
Tara O’Neill Aronson
Mrs Newsom taught my 9th grade physical science class @Concord HS (35 year ago). She was a bubbly and enthusiastic teacher who loved science and her Nittany Lions. She also helped me learn what my social security number was, since she posted our grades using the last four digits (old school). Wonderful to learn of all the amazing work she continued to do in the decades since then, and sorry to hear about her unexpected passing. Wishing her family peace.
Carol Campbell Spiker
Dear Brad.
I was a high school/yearbook friend of your Mom’s along with Amy Goeller. There were so many reasons to love your Mom and I am sorry we never reconnected after high school. She certainly had a full life!
I will be unable to attend her memorial service as I am just recovering from shoulder surgery—
With love to you and your family,
Carol
Jud Wagner
Lyn was instrumental in my early teaching career—she took a chance on me fresh out of college and showed me what it truly means to be a teacher who honors every student and family. Her passion for meaningful scientific inquiry and advocacy earned her State Teacher of the Year, and she remained a mentor and friend throughout my life. Every conversation with her was a gift; she had a brilliant mind, genuine curiosity, and a way of finding joy in unexpected connections. Brad, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Your mother spoke of you with such pride.
Morgan Tucker
Our hearts go out to everyone touched by Lyn’s amazing spirit.
We at Kid Shelleen’s in Trolley Square will miss her.
Ann Albosta
Lyn was a vibrant member of our terrific staff at Concord. She was always upbeat and was a true teacher as she did her best to reach each student. I’m certain her students will remember her fondly. Lyn will be missed in Brandywine school groups. I will miss her wonderful energy.
Lanae Evans
Mrs. Lyn was an amazing person who I was blessed to have known. She always greeted me with a smile and a kind word that would brighten my day. My deepest condolences to her loved ones. All the girls and I from Kid Shelleen’s will miss her dearly ✨❤️