BRAINTREE -Ruth Marlene Wigandt Hewson of Braintree, MA died peacefully on Monday, October 16, 2023 surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Ruth was born on November 2, 1934 to Lawrence and Gertrude Wigandt of Dorchester, MA and was the youngest of five children. She is survived by her sister, Natalie Galaway of Minnesota. She is predeceased by her husband, Richard Rae Hewson of Braintree, MA; her brother, Lawrence Wigandt of Randolph, MA; and her sisters Gladys Killam of Falls Church, VA, and Marjorie Mann of Braintree, MA.

Ruth married Richard Rae Hewson of Dorchester, MA in 1954 and raised eight children: Linda Hewson of Dudley, MA; Glenn Hewson of Derry, NH; Darrell Hewson of Blount Creek, NC; Brian Hewson of Upton, MA; Douglas Hewson of Tisbury, MA; Christa Girard of Providence, RI; and Breanna Hewson of Providence, RI. She is predeceased by her son, Sean Hewson of Dorchester, MA.

Ruth was a dedicated matriarch and was a wonderful aunt to many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind 11 beloved grandchildren: Alyssa, Amelia, Brian Jr., CodyRae, Darren, Emily, Haley, Kineta, Rachelle, Richard and Tanya. She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren: Addalyn, Ava, Caliope, Carter, Emma, Olivia, Sean and Sawyer.

A proud member of the First Congregational Church of Braintree, Ruth and her husband Richard both sang in the choir and remained active in the church community for many years. Ruth’s heart was always open to others. After raising her family, Ruth transferred her love of children to those in the foster care system, where for 20 years she cared for over 100 infants and children in need. As once described by her youngest son, Douglas, Ruth was always “a soft place to land” when you needed it. She was a mother in every possible way. Ruth leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, loyalty and family. She will be missed and remembered forever in our hearts.