Barbara Jane Mulhern Hewett, 94, of Sedalia, MO, died Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Katy Manor Nursing Home in Pilot Grove, MO with family at her side.
She was born October 4, 1927 in Hannibal, MO, a daughter of the late James Edward Mulhern and Crystal Cameron Mulhern Heim. On December 30, 1949 she married Joseph L. Hewett who preceded her in death in 2010.
She attended St. John’s Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Hannibal High School. After high school she went to work for the Hannibal Courier Post newspaper and later worked for the International Shoe Company.
Barb and Joe moved to Sedalia, MO in 1956 as Joe continued his employment with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Barb was a homemaker for 18 years before being asked to be a charter member at State Fair Community College, serving as a receptionist for 20 years. She became known as the “Voice” of SFCC. SFCC always held a special place in her heart as did her friends of over 50 years, special friends – Betty Blackwell, Sue Branson, Chris Bernard and posthumously – Helen Baker, Beth Palmer, Gloria Sanders and Charlotte Cordry.
After retirement Barb and Joe found time for themselves and traveled to Florida with friends for about 10 years. The other times they were trying to follow 4 grandkids who were into all sports. One of their favorite trips was 50 years after World War II going back and retracing Joe’s steps through France when he was in the Army. For 60 years of marriage Barb and Joe were true partners in good times and bad. They weathered the storms and celebrated life’s treasures as a true life couple.
Barb is survived by two children and their families, Patrice (Tom) Jennewein and Mark (Chris) Hewett of Sedalia; four grandchildren, Jill (Ty) Harden of Springfield, MO, Jeff (Brooke) Jennewein of Jefferson City, Joseph Jennewein of Sedalia, Scott (Carrie) Hewett of Sedalia; seven great-grandchildren, Kyland and Kelton Hewett, Tate and and Trae Jennewein, Easton, Brooks and Blake Hewett. She also has three nephews and two nieces, Candy (Wally) Knight, Rick (Rosemary) Carter, Randy (Shirley) Carter, Jim (Liz) Mulhern, Jill (Rick) Neubert; a sister-in-law, Virginia Mulhern; longtime neighbors and special family, Sherry, Kristy, Jim and David Sanders.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Brian Joseph Hewett; a brother, James Mulhern; a niece, Jane Mulhern Ernst; and step-father, William Heim.
Family and friends were her heart. A more giving person could not be found. She always put herself last on the list. She was a blessing to us all. “Gone but not forgotten”.
A private service and burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hannibal, MO at a future date. Memorial donations are suggested to Our Savior Lutheran Church, or the State Fair Community College Foundation, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.