Kathleen Mary Newland, 80, of Copperopolis, passed away on December 16th 2025 due to complications from open heart surgery.
Kathy was born August 7th 1945 on the US Naval Base in Corpus Christi, Texas as a “Navy Brat” to her parents Lloyd and Margie Busbee. She grew up moving from base to base with her parents and siblings Rodger and Cheryl. She was in awe of the nurses she saw as a child, comparing the capes they wore with their uniforms to that of superheroes. This childhood inspiration encouraged Kathy to become a nurse, which would be her career of over 40 years.
Kathy was a free spirit whose passion for life, love, knowledge, and truth made her an exceptional woman to know. She was an avid reader, gardener, and a talented seamstress. She had a passion for music, theater, education and art she passed down to her family. Kathy was more than a mother, mentor, and role model, but a friend and rock in many peoples’ lives who will miss her greatly.
Kathy had two children (Shannon Kinser and Michael McPoland), seven grandchildren (Benjamin Kinser, Dylan Kinser, Morgan McPoland, Lillian McPoland, Layla Lucus, Christian Acevedo, and Andrew Lucus), and one great-grandchild (Olive Kinser).
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Melvin Newland, daughter Shannon Kinser, parents Lloyd and Margie Busbee, and brother Roger Busbee. She is survived by her sister Cheryl Field, her son Michael McPoland and his wife Krystal McPoland, her seven grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
