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Morgan standing in a foggy field

In Memory - Barbara Duell Hewitt

March 17, 2021

news_bdwphoto.jpgBarbara Duell Hewitt, our lovely, kind, sweet Barbara passed away peacefully the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, losing her final battle with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Her loving family was at her bedside.

Barbara was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Sept. 9, 1951. The family lived in Kansas with generations of family until Barbara was 7 years old and she and immediate family moved to Oneonta.

Barbara graduated from Oneonta High School in 1969, and from Oneonta State College in 1973, with a bachelor's degree in biology. She attended graduate school at Geneseo State College, Geneseo, earning her permanent NY State teaching certification. Barbara taught junior high biology in Pittsford from 1976-1978, enjoying the school, her colleagues and the energetic age group of students.

Barbara married the love of her life, Mike, in June, 1976.

Barbara bred and raised world champion and family pleasure Morgan horses on her Sweet Promise Farm in the White Oak area of Stafford County. Barbara's Radiance Morgans are cherished by many families for their willing attitudes, pleasant temperaments and beauty. Barbara served on the board of the American Morgan Horse Association. Barbara also loved her dogs, cats, fish (especially fancy guppies), Guinea hens and chickens.

Barbara's three children, her husband, Mike, and a few dear friends meant the world to her. Barbara had a unique, quiet goodness.

She was exceptionally smart. She embraced working on her picturesque farm and joyfully raised her children there. Barbara possessed a quiet elegance and a sweet calmness. We will miss her deeply.

Barbara was predeceased by her father, Roy Duell.

She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Bonnie O'Donnell; husband, Mike; three children, Meghan Castner (Bill), John Hewitt (Nicole) and Amanda Pruett (Daniel); four grandchildren, Meredith and Peter Castner, George Pruett and Michael (Morgan) Hewitt; and four brothers, Steve Duell (Peggy), Roger Duell (Debbie), Robert Duell and Scott Duell (Melanie).

The family thanks Mrs. Sheila Conley for the unsurpassed loving care she gave Barbara in her home in King George for the last two and one-half years of Barbara's life. Thank you to Home Instead caregivers who at first sweetly helped us with Barbara at our home. We sincerely thank Dr. Anderson and the nurses and aides of Mary Washington Hospice who were always available, kind and caring during Barbara's trying final years. Dr. Sarber, Internal Medicine, Dr. Monahan, Gastroenterology, Dr. Erwin, Neurology, and the outstanding doctors and nurses of Mary Washington Hospital were always there over the years for Barbara, which meant so much to us. If desired, donations may be made to 401b, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

Interment will be private.

Good bye for now, Mommie, we will always love you.

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