Irene Marie Hewitt

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Irene Marie Hewitt, 97, of Ironwood, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley, Wisconsin.

Irene was born on Sept. 6, 1927, to the late Matt and Saima (Johnson) Wuorinen. She was raised in Wakefield, and left after graduation to work at King's Gateway Lodge in Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin. Irene told many stories of dignitaries that stayed at the lodge.   After her time there, she returned to the area and met and married Donald Hewitt. They shared 53 years of marriage until his death on March 5, 2006.

After raising her family, she started her life's work as a certified nursing assistant at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield and then worked in the activity department at GMCF for many years enriching the daily lives of the residents. Irene's strong work ethic made her a valuable employee and a sought-after caregiver to the residents. Her ability to speak fluent Finnish allowed her to help as a translator for the Finnish-only speaking residents. Irene inspired many to do their best and be their best in every area of life. She was a woman of strong faith and boldly shared it with others, helping many to change the course of their lives.

Irene is survived by three sons, Russell (Nancy) Hewitt, Paul (Nadine) Hewitt and Dennis (Lisa) Hewitt; a daughter, Jane (Tom) Moon; her siblings, Linda Anderson and Jerry (Ann) Wuorinen; and two sisters-in-law, Jean Wuorinen and Beverly Wuorinen. She is further survived by 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Arthur Hewitt; three brothers, Matt, Kenneth and Leslie Wuorinen; a sister, Viola Winkka; her sister-in-law, Leona Wuorinen; and two brothers-in-law, Chester Turula and Hans Anderson. Sadly her sister, Eleanor Turula, passed on Jan. 28, 2025.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Cornerstone Church, N10344 Mill St., in Ramsay, with the Rev. Roy Speck officiating.

Luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

A committal service and interment will take place in the spring at the Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.

The family would like to thank the staff at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center and Dr. James Rocco for the compassionate, excellent care given to Irene.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.