Barbara Blewett, RIP

Please pray for the repose of the soul of a much-loved member of the Thomas Aquinas College community, Barbara Blewett, wife of late vice president John W. Blewett. Mrs. Blewett passed away unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon at the age of 94. Her daughter Katie Masteller ('82) had just finished praying a Rosary with her at her bedside. “It was a fitting way to go,” observes her son Paul (’85), the College’s director of gift planning. “She had a strong devotion to the Rosary, to the Blessed Mother, and to the Sacred Heart.”

Whether in supporting her husband and raising their family, or in various private initiatives, Mrs. Blewett worked tirelessly for the Church and the Faith. “She did a lot of good, most of it unseen by the world,” reflects Paul. “She was steadfast in the Faith and strove for sanctity always. I never saw her waver on that.” Mrs. Blewett's pro-life activities ranged from cradle to grave. “She was a tireless activist on behalf of the unborn and was always generous to those in need,” adds Paul. “She also played an instrumental role in bringing hospice care to the United States in the 1970s.”

Over their 62 years of marriage, the Blewetts were blessed with seven children, three of whom are TAC alumni: Katharine (Masteller ’82), Margaret (Wall ’82), and Paul (’85). To date, 10 of their 28 grandchildren have also gone on to attend the College: Mary Colette (Bolanos ’11), Rev. Michael (’13), and Annamaria Masteller (’16); Joe (’20), Jack (’20), Nicholas (’23), and James Blewett (’24); and Jake (’11), Alexander (’23), and Therese (Dufresne’18) deTar.

“Barbara Blewett was beloved by all in the Thomas Aquinas College community,” says President Paul J. O’Reilly (’84). “She always had a kind word for everyone.”

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Amen.