Obituaries: Marlene Yvonne (Aunet) Hewlitt

2 weeks ago

3 minutes read

1936 ~ 2024 (age 88)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Marlene Hewlitt (Aunet) on December 22/24 at the Eston Integrated Health Facility, at the age of 88 years.

Marlene was born in Eston, Saskatchewan on August 23,1936 to proud Norwegians John and Minnie Aunet. Marlene was the eldest of three daughters. At an early age Marlene took on many chores on the farm working with horses, fetching water from the well, chopping wood and gardening as well as tending to her two younger sisters. The Aunet family moved to the Totnes district 1951 with the prospect of owning land and her father John began farming. In 1952, the Aunet family moved to an acreage outside of Eston. After her father’s tragic death from cancer in Sept of 1953 at only 42 years old, Marlene, then only 16, stepped into an even larger role of helping her mother raise her two younger sisters. She returned from Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute in Outlook, coming back to Eston to take her Grade 12, graduating in 1954. After a year in Teachers College in Saskatoon, she began teaching in 1955 and throughout her twelve year career taught at Snipe Lake, Newburg, Eston, Amdewanda, Madison and Goldeye. She was beloved by all her students and teaching was not only her profession but her passion. Her students were all very special to her even to this day.

In July, 1961, Marlene married Verne Hewlitt in Eston and began their married life together on the Hewlitt family farm south, west of Eston. They started their family with a son, David Leslie in September 1968 and two and a half years later a daughter, Susan Claire in June 1971. Those years were busy with raising two children, operating a mixed farm and caring for her mother-in law, Jean Hewlitt, who lived on the farm as well and her own mother Minnie Aunet until her death in 1981. Mom took on many roles on in the community volunteering as an English teacher for new immigrants to Canada, Hospital Board, and various other committees. She even took a job driving school bus for a few years. She was actively involved in the farming operation driving grain truck, feeding animals, cooking, gardening or whatever job needed to be done. Marlene loved animals of every description but especially cats and dogs and was very knowledgeable of many of the areas indigenous birds. Bible study was very high on her list of priorities throughout her life. Her strength and resilience came from a strong faith in God. Years on the family farm were tough, but they took opportunities to travel when the farm allowed. Marlene enjoyed two trips to visit relatives in Norway, numerous trips to California and Las Vegas to visit her two sisters and family trips to Yellowstone and many camping trips in the motorhome and travel trailer. More recently a cruise with her sisters and spouses to the Mexican Riveria.

After her children left home and married, she soon found herself in a new role as grandmother to three grandchildren that brought much joy and many new adventures to her and Dad’s daily life. She would attend hockey games, recitals, graduations and weddings too numerous to count and enjoyed photography in her spare time. In 2009 Marlene and Verne retired and moved off the farm to reside in Eston.

Marlene had a kind, humble, modest, hardworking, steadfast strength that her family could always rely on. She was many things to many people. A loving daughter, sister, wife, teacher, daughter-in-law, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and friend and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she held dearest.

Marlene is pre-deceased by her father, John Aunet, 1953 and her mother Minnie Aunet in 1981. Marlene is survived by her husband Verne of 63 years and her two children David Hewlitt, (Christina) and daughter Susan Swan, (Jim) and three grandchildren Tanner Hewlitt (Madison), Amanda Swan, Tyson Swan (Kristin) and six beautiful great-grandsons Marek, Jalen, Jack, Bennett, Callum and Declan whom she loved very much.

The families would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Eston integrated Health Care Team for the loving, care and compassion shown to Marlene during her extended stay.

Donations in Marlene’s memory can be made to the Eston Caring Hands At her request there will be a private family graveside interment at the Eston Cemetary.

Services
Private Interment

Eston Cemetery
R.m. of Snipe Lake
Eston, SK S0L 1A0

Donations
Eston Caring Hands
c/o Joy Gan, Box 244, Eston SK S0L 1A0