Irene F. Hewett – 1940–2025

Irene Finan Hewett, 84, of Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Gene W. Hewett.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1940, Irene was the oldest of four children of George and Mildred (Walsh) Finan. She led a remarkable and inspiring life. At the age of five, Irene entered The Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts, where she graduated in 1959. She went on to earn her degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1963, and with her first of many guide dogs by her side, she pursued graduate studies at Syracuse University and Western Michigan University.

Irene met and married her husband, Gene, and together they made their home in Cincinnati, Ohio, for many years while Irene dedicated herself to a career in rehabilitative services. Later, they moved to Florida, where Gene passed away in 2009. Irene continued her professional work until her retirement.

She loved traveling, with Ireland being a favorite destination, and music was an ever-present source of joy throughout her life. Irene was a shining example of perseverance despite her blindness, and she made her family and friends immensely proud.

Irene is survived by her siblings: Judith Briggs, Linda Cliff (Paul), and Joseph Finan (Donna); her nieces and nephews: Christine Kahrhoff (Greg), Kelly Fetterolf (Rocco), Kathryn Kahrhoff, Ella Fetterolf, Sofia Fetterolf, Yasmin Cliff, Kevin Cliff (Eugenia), Daniel Finan, Andrew Kahrhoff, Noah Finan, and Rocco Fetterolf Jr. She was predeceased by her niece Bethany L. Briggs and brother-in-law David Briggs.

She is also survived by her loving stepchildren, Trixie, Teresa, and Michael, and their children, as well as the loyal and caring friends in Daytona Beach who were an important part of her life.

A Memorial Mass will be held in Rhode Island at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene's memory may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.