Margaret June Hewitt (née Merritt)

With great sadness, we announce the death of Margaret June Hewitt (née Merritt) in her 90th year, on December 27th, 2022 at University Hospital with family at her side after a brief and unexpected illness.

She is predeceased by her devoted husband and high school sweetheart John Kyle Hewitt (2012). She was the loving mother of David (Gudrun Thomas), Stephen (Susan) and Bruce (Helena Steinmetz). She was the cherished grandmother of Caitlyn, Alannah, Cailey, Guillaume, Paige, Vivienne and Olivier. Her dear cousins were Bob Farrell (2019), Jan Farrell, Bev Farrell, Joey Farrell, Alvin Thompson (2015) and Bernice Norman (2019). Her proud in-laws were John James (Jack) Hewitt (1992) and Agnes (Nessie) Smith Hewitt (1975). Jean Moore Watt remained her best friend for 76 years from grade 9 to a video call in her final hours.

Marg, known as June in her family, was born in May 1933, the beloved daughter of Howard and Jessie Merritt (née Farrell) (1966) in London, Ontario. A gifted pianist, she began study at the age of 8 and obtained her Associate of Music in piano performance in 1950 at the age of 16. Marg received numerous academic awards throughout her studies. She graduated from the St. Joseph’s School of Nursing and the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1955. She was a Surgery and Emergency Room Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London.

Marg performed solo piano concerts and played the piano and organ for the London Psychiatric Hospital, the Medical School Tachycardia show and church and community events. She was the pianist for many Beck Collegiate dramatic productions and the Beck Glee Club.

Later in life, Marg was an active volunteer as President of the Nursing Alumnae, Chairwoman of the VOCPRI, and Coordinator of the fundraising Boutique for the Volunteer Committee of Orchestra London. She was a generous sponsor of the London Symphony Orchestra, Fanshawe Chorus, Chorus Hamilton, Amabile Choirs of London, London Symphonia and the Grand Theatre. She was a supporter of the Stratford Festival, which she attended since its 1953 debut.

Mom was a caring mother of her three sons, instilling in them a love of music. All three boys sang in school and community choirs and played in school bands. She was especially proud to see their solo and ensemble productions. Later, her grandchildren performed in schools, churches, concert halls and on the Grand Theatre stage – Mom was thrilled to see her sons sing at Carnegie Hall in 2020.

Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Monday, January 9, 2023 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 12 noon. The funeral will be held at Westview on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment at Woodland Cemetery. For those who are unable to attend the service, the family welcomes you to join via livestream.

To register for the service, please click here: Registration page for Marg’s service on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation may choose their favourite charity. Marg supported the London Symphonia, the Grand Theatre, choirs and many health organizations.