Mary Louise Neuman, PhD

Mary Louise (Neveu) Neuman (PhD), born September 28, 1942, daughter of Edmond E Neveu and Mary A Neveu (nee Frost), passed away on August 26, 2024 from complications of stage four neuroendocrine cancer. 

Mary grew up in Westfield, Massachusetts, and graduated from St. Mary’s Parish Catholic School, Framingham State University, and Boston University, where she completed her Master's and doctorate degrees. 

Mary, a trained biochemist, was a scholar and academician. She published numerous books and articles on school reform, math and science education and gifted students. 

As a longtime K-12 public education teacher and administrator, she ended her career in education working with Ted Sizer and the Coalition of Essential Schools at Brown University and later at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform. After retiring from Brown, Mary spent several years as a consultant to the Rhode Island Department of Education where she managed several grant programs for that department. 

At Brown University, she affected the lives of thousands of math and science teachers by supporting reforms in schools nationwide that met all students' needs. Mary was a policy wonk and always devised unique solutions to support schools, school districts, superintendents she mentored, and teachers she worked with. 

In 1994, she married the love of her life, Walter "Bucky" E. Neuman, and they traveled the world together. They enjoyed cross-country skiing and canoeing with their travel group, the “Manhattan Canoe Club,” and skied across the US and Europe. Over the last several years, Mary and Bucky were able to travel to South America, Eastern Europe, Alaska and enjoyed touring, discovering new places, and spending time together.

Throughout Mary’s life, she called Brookline, Massachusetts, Tiverton, Rhode Island, and Hopkinton, New Hampshire, her home with Bucky. 

After retirement, Mary volunteered as a CASA worker and truly loved helping her families and children through their challenges and celebrating their successes. 

Besides her husband, Mary leaves two adult daughters, Seanna E. Carlson and Kirsten Vital Brulte, a step-son, Jefferey Neuman, two sons-in-law, Bob Carlson and Jim Brulte, a brother, Ed Neveu and his family, and her precious granddaughter, Ivy, who is ten years old. Being a grandmother to Ivy was a highlight of Mary's life. 

Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to: Granite VNA (Hospice House), 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH 03301.