Imogene Gail Hewitt, of Helena, died Friday evening, November 3, 2023, at her Touchmark residence following a brief illness. She was 90 years old.
Gail was born on December 3, 1932 in Cincinnati, OH, to Martha Lee Cottle and Jesse Harry Veatch Jr. She graduated from East High and attended Marshall University, both in Huntington, WV before interrupting her studies to wed the Episcopal seminarian Archibald Hewitt Jr. in 1953. Gail resumed her collegiate studies in Helena and graduated from Carroll College in 1985, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She subsequently taught piano in her home studio.
For six decades as a clergy spouse, Gail followed Arch’s ministry to Romney, WV; Mobile, AL; Casper, WY; Houston, TX, and Helena MT where since 1981 she was an active parishioner at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral. Highlights as clergy spouse included touring of the great English cathedrals and hosting a high tea for Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa who traveled to Helena in 1990 to attend a performance of the Montana Logging and Ballet Company. Trained as a classical singer and keyboardist, Gail’s love for music and the arts was a central theme of her life. She was a regular church chorister, member of the Helena Symphony Chorale, and patron of the Holter Art Museum, the Archie Bray Foundation, the Helena Symphony, and the Huntington Museum of Art. Beyond the arts, Gail was an environmentalist, birder, and supporter of the Audubon Society. Gail will be remembered for her ‘gift of the gab’, her activism, and a hub of love and support for her family and friends.
Gail was preceded in death by her father Harry; mother Martha Lee; brother Judson, and grandson Travis. Gail is survived by her three sons Judson of Helena, Daniel of Colleyville, TX, and Samuel of Ewing, NJ; grandchildren Tessa and Paris; great grandchildren Kearstyn, Brenden, Joshua, Vivian, and Travis; and great great grandson Jameson.
A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral Friday November 10 at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral, designated for the church’s capital improvement fund.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 10, 2023
St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 10, 2023
St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Karen Dilley says
Sharing in your sadness, Gail was a special person, and a dear friend of my mom. Through the years, she became very important to myself and to my daughter. Gail and Arch would welcome us into their home and host elegant and memorable evenings during our annual summer visit to Helena. One Summer they planned and hosted a very festive 4 years and 6 months Birthday celebration for my daughter, Sadie. My thoughts and prayers are with Gail and Archie’s family wishing them peace through this difficult time. Your mom will be greatly missed. I was very sad to read of her passing. Karen Dilley (Marilyn Grant daughter)