Anita B. Bewick

Anita Bunny Grandbunny (Barrows) Bewick, 96, passed away, April 27, 2024, surrounded by family and the caring nurses in the hospice wing of Baystate Medical Center.
Born in Springfield on January 20, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Mable (Hardy) and Edwin D.Barrows. After Bunny graduated from Classical High School in Springfield, she went on to study theater and performing arts at several local institutions.
It was in 1947, while working at radio station WSPRthat she met her future husband, Douglas W. Bewick. The two were married the following year. Immediately after the wedding ceremony, they boarded a train in Springfield and moved to Hollywood, CA. She quickly adapted to her new home and became a respected actor in the local theater community. Bunny graduated from the Hollywood Bowl Academy of Arts and became an early pioneer in TV marketing, as she produced and starred in numerous national TV advertisements.
As the family began to grow, Bunny returned to Longmeadow, MA. where she became a dedicated and active community volunteer. Some of her favorite engagements were as a Docent in The Springfield Museum of Fine Arts and as a mentor and counselor of single mothers through numerous nonprofit organizations. She was a member of The Longmeadow United Church of Christ for over 80 years and served in numerous leadership positions. She was a founding and charter member of the Field Club of Longmeadow, a member of the Longmeadow Country Club and the HaPenny Bay Beach Club in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Bunny was known for her dance moves, her long tennis volleys, her gift for harmonizing, and most of all, her kindness. She was a voracious reader who admired fine writing and poetry. She taught us all how to notice and appreciate beauty in the natural world such as the Wood Thrushs song, the bare Birch branches, and the magnolia in her garden.
While Bunny had many passions in life, it is fair to say that traveling, painting and family were at the top of the list. Her memories and stories from Singapore to the UK to Asia, and Nantucket to Vermont and the Adirondacks, always brought a smile to her face. Her winter home of 30 years in St. Croix and her many friends there were always a source of fond remembrances.
Bunnys watercolor paintings are cherished by her children, grandchildren, and many friends. Bunny often said that family were her reason for being. Her role as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was always one of love and mutual respect.
Bunny was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Douglas W. Bewick and three brothers, Belden Barrows of Pensacola, FL, Edwin Barrows of Middletown, RI and Standish Barrows of Boston, MA.
Bunny leaves three daughters, Laura Brines & husband Duncan of Waitsfield, VT, Candace Luthy & husband Peter of London, UK, and Heather Dwight & husband John of Charlotte, VT, eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Family and Friends are cordially invited to Bunnys 11 a.m. Memorial Service on Tuesday, July 2nd at First Church of Christ in Longmeadow. Her burial in Longmeadow Cemetery is private.
Bunnys greatest passion was the love and devotion of her family and friends. She spent the last five years at Glenmeadow Retirement Community where she developed wonderful friendships. So, in lieu of flowers or a donation, please connect with a friend, old or new. Bunny would love that!
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Anita, please visit our Tree Store.