Viola S. Hewes Obituary (1915 - 2007)

VIOLA S. HEWES GARLAND-Viola S. Hewes, 92, passed away peacefully September 10, 2007 at home with her family at her side. She was born April 15, 1915 in East Eddington a daughter of David and Helena (O'Neil) Simpson. Viola graduated from Bangor High School, class of 1933 and was exceptionally proficient in Parisian French which she spoke the remainder of her life. She continued her education at Gorham Normal School, Class of 1935, and remained friends with Esther Wood of Blue Hill who was her history teacher at Gorham. She taught 8 grades in a one room school in East Eddington and walked 3 miles to and from school for a $1.00 a day. While raising her family she was a teacher-aid and tutored at Garland Elementary School. She was a member of the Garland Grange and the First Universalist Church of Dexter. She was a staunch Republican and a member of the Heritage Foundaton and Judicial Watch. Viola was employed for 12 years at Reny's Department Store in Dexter. Among her noted accomplishments, she designed four homes built in Garland. The first was for friends Perley and Myrtle Robinson after their home burned. The second was on the Bonnie Knoll property and the farm was sold. A third was built on farm land purchased from Al Smith in W. Garland; and a fourth home was on the McComb Road for her son. Her hobbies included gardening, canning, and freezing for her family winter supplies. She was an accomplished seamstress and yarn crafter and enjoyed many games of cribbage with her children. She was a devoted mother and homemaker. Viola enjoyed her senior years caring for the Christmas trees at the McComb farm in Garland. The delight of her life was raising her children on Bonnie Knoll Farm. She leaves her twin daughters, Leona Swanson and husband Frank of Saluda, S. C., and Leola Pingree and husband Keith of Dexter, daughters, Rose-Ellen Small and husband Philip of Blue Hill and Joyce Zimmerman and companion Van Hoxie of Belfast; a son, Leon Manley Hewes of Garland; 11 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by 2 brothers, Raymond Simpson and John Simpson; a sister, Alice Morrison; 4 half-brothers, Carl Severence, Clyde Simpson, Harold Simpson, Manley Simpson; and a half-sister, Marian Simpson; her husband Leon A. Hewes; and a daughter, Jo-Lena Hewes. At her request, visitation and committal services will be private. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Garland. For those wishing to give in her memory please plant and care for a tree. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Dexter.