Jill Haskel Passes Away at Age 89

Jill Newmark Haskel, born August 15, 1936, died suddenly on Monday, December 22, 2025. She was 89 years old.

Jill was born in Los Angeles, California as an only child to parents Richard and Jane Newmark. She graduated from Hollywood High School in Los Angeles and later from Tobe-Coburn School for Fashion (in more recent times was known as Wood Tobe-Coburn School in Manhattan). In 1958, she married Merwin R. Haskel, Jr.

Jill and Merwin raised their four sons—Brad, Bill, and twins, Jim and Tony—in Scarsdale, NY, where they were active members of their neighborhood and community. Jill was a dedicated mother, later becoming a loving mother-in-law to Amy (Bill) and Annie (Jim), and a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Jake, Tommy, Jenny, Tess, Sam, and Eli. She was a cherished sister-in-law to Richard and Jane Haskel and Aunt to Patricia Freund, and Whit (and Lina) Haskel and their children Sofia, Sebastian, Lilith and Oliver.

Jill and Merwin shared nearly sixty wonderful years of marriage together, making their homes in Scarsdale, Hartsdale, and White Plains, as well as their beloved Stratton, Vermont. When Merwin passed away in 2017, Jill was faithfully by his side throughout his long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A devoted family member and friend, Jill stayed in close touch with those she loved—always texting, calling, and checking in. She had a gift for connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds, leaving every community she joined better off. In her later years, Jill lived at The Osborn Senior Living Community in Rye, New York, where she became more active than ever. She filled her days with a wide range of activities—from regular trips to New York City for the Philharmonic and Broadway shows to attending her favorite Zumba classes. Her more than forty years of volunteer service at White Plains Hospital, along with a decade of work with the Alzheimer’s Association, reflected her deep compassion and unwavering commitment to others.

After her passing, countless friends have reached out to the family, sharing stories and fond memories that spoke to Jill’s kindness, compassion, and unwavering determination to help others. Though her loss is deeply felt, the legacy she leaves behind—and the example she set through her generosity and warmth—will continue to inspire generations to come.
Details regarding the celebration of Jill's life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to White Plains Hospital, or the Alzheimer’s Association of Westchester.