Then Laredo [[Mayor]] Raul G. Salinas called Newman "a true gentleman, a man who cared a lot for Laredo and cared for the community. He gave so much of himself. His generosity has helped many organizations throughout our city. He will always be remembered as a man with a big heart."<ref name="lmt"/>
[[Image:Peggy Newman of TX.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Peggy Jean Behelar Newman]]
Mrs. Newman died in Laredo at the age of ninety-two. Though she was a Southern Baptist, she was a large donor to Catholic Charities. She also embodied the spirit of altruism as a contributor to the United Way, the Salvation Army, Casa de Misericordia, Habitat for Humanity, Laredo Food Bank, and the Make A Wish Foundation. She was the first woman to ever have been appointed and serve as a member of the board of International Bank of Commerce. Her contributions on the board for twenty years made a significant impact on Laredo.<ref name=peggyobit/>