Annette S. Halsey-Newcomb | 1957 - 2018 | Obituary

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Annette S. Halsey-Newcomb, of Cortland, IL, an award winning columnist, editor and writer who helped bring the issue of heroin addiction to the forefront in an award winning article published in the Southern Lakes Newspaper, Kenosha WI “A spiral to hell on heroin’s highway”  Died  June 26, 2018.

Annette passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends. She fought not one but 2 major cancers. One she fought and won, the other was a beast that could not be tamed. Both non-related within three years time.

Born January 15, 1957 in Aurora, IL, the daughter of Bert and Gloria (Heffelfinger) Halsey. One of 3 children. She attended Earlville High School graduating in 1975. She then attended Western Illinois University, Macomb,IL.

Annette had a gift of writing and creating even at an early age. On a bet from her Dad, she had to come up with a story about an object and write a three page story in 30 minutes. She successfully completed this task. Annette also had a gift of gab. Many times there was a short circuit between her brain, and her mouth. She spent many hours trying to explain to parents and teachers why she has no filter on her mouth. This was part of the genius of her creative mind.  It also proved to be a curse, as it got her into trouble as a child alot!

Annette married Michael Eugene Bumgarner(1954-1980) June 1978 in the back yard of her parents Earlville home. Mike was tragically killed in a car accident in 1980.  Annette stayed in the community working at Super-X Drugs in Ottawa,IL. Until she landed her first writing job at the newspaper in Sycamore, IL in the 1980's.

In 1991 Annette officially turned in her Chicago Bears Fan club card and took up new alliances with the Green Bay Packers as she moved north of the border. Taking a job with Farming Magazine, B and B Publishing. 1991-1998.

Annette found love again with Fletcher Newcomb. They were married February 1993 in Jamaica. A carribean trip they won through Annettes entry into a Milwaukee radio station contest. Out of this reunion was born their daughter Amanda. Out of this union was another blessing Jessica Newcomb and Jason Newcomb, who could not have been loved more.  She adored them all. Annette would tell you she has 3 children, 1 from scratch. She loved them all with all her heart and is very proud of them.

1998-2014  Southern Lakes Newspapers,LLC. 18 years covering stories for Kenosha County, WI and Northern Illinois.  She describes herself as a hands on editor from story identification, assignment or interview, writing, editing, photos, writing appropriate cutlines. She had a creative mind and it was expressed in her weekly column, “But That's Another Story. . . “ Her column was expressive of her life experiences. Written with her spontaneous off the cuff wit and her love for  story telling. What a gift she had. We all think a little harder and laugh longer because of her. Annette describes herself as a “Fearless writer” as described in her Linkdin account. The following is an excerpt  from that account.

“I am the kid in your class who was always excited about the essay questions! I love to write! I can work efficiently in an office setting or from my home office. I am a self-motivated. All the little details, full calendars and multiple deadlines are my friends. I have many interests and would be equally enthusiastic about working for a single company or branding company that handles multiple businesses. I have a wide variety of interests and can wear many hats at the same time. I am based in Lake Geneva and would like to stay fairly close but a great offer could change my mind! I am a great Girl Friday and greatly enjoy being on the ground floor of projects. I want my efforts to mean something. I want to be excited about going to work, I don't want to just put in my time. And I don't want to be a rat on a wheel, either....I need freedom to create, but I can follow the company line as needed. Common sense prevails, but that doesn't mean you can't color outside the lines! “

Annette's was very kind and generous. She was always willing to give to anyone in need. Her sense of humor is legendary and her smile memorable. If you ever met Annette, you know what I mean. She was a gem, one in a million.

She is survived by daughters, Amanda Newcomb of Lake Geneva WI., Jessica Newcomb, Milwaukee,WI.; son, Jason Newcomb, WI.; granddaughters, Kaelei Kramer, Keira Kramer, Milwaukee, WI., and  Ella Newcomb, Milwaukee WI.; sister, Carol Halsey, Cortland, IL.; niece, Jennifer Ballard; nephew, Jonathon Ballard; many Aunts, Uncles, Friends and other relatives..She will be deeply missed by her childhood  friends Pam and Ken Gast; Kim Holiday-Rose and family many memories to be shared. (or maybe we shouldn't)

She was preceded in death her husband, Michael E Bumgarner in 1980; Father, Bert Halsey 1996; sister, Cindy Halsey-Ballard 1998; Mother, Gloria Heffelfinger-Halsey 2012.

2 Memorial services will be held.

The first visitation will be held at 12:00-1:00 P.M. July 5, 2018, Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405  DeKalb Ave, Sycamore,IL 60178. With a memorial service following.

Annette planned this service. It is her request that it be casual, CASUAL attire. Packer attire is requested, got a cheese-head,wear it. Hawaiian shirts, bright colored clothing. Be comfortable.

The second visitation will be held at 1:00-2:00 P.M. July 7, 2018,  Linn Presbyterian Church, W3335 Willow Rd, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. With a memorial service starting at 2:00 P.M..

Bright colors, church attire. No black is requested

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions can be made to the family in care of the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL. 60178.  For info or to sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com or call 815-895-2833.

The Newcomb and Halsey families would like to thank our special friend and neighbor Mary Pendleton, Northwestern Hospice.  Pastor Rosa Yeonshun Lee and the Cortland United Methodist Church. Donna Biarnesen for all your support. Special thanks to Jennifer Ballard, you helped more than you know. Grace and Dignity, from this earth to God's loving arms Until we meet again.

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