STORRS

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Bernice Smith-Hewes, 101, announces her passing on January 4, 2026, at her home in Storrs, CT, the place she loved the most. Born in Willimantic to parents Wilfred & Rhea Lyon. She was known for her warm smile and unwavering kindness.

After raising her family, Bernice returned to school and proudly graduated from Eastern Connecticut State College in 1970, fulfilling a lifelong love of learning. She devoted 10 years to teaching first and second grade at Tolland Elementary School, where her kindness and gentle guidance left a lasting impression on her students. Beyond the classroom, Bernice cherished collecting antiques, traveling and embracing lifes simple pleasures, always happiest when spending time with family and loved ones.

Bernice is survived by her loving spouse, Michael Hewes; her children, Todd (Diane), Garth, and Drake; and her grandchildren, Nicole Letourneux (James), Cory Smith (Lesley), Carly Smith, Elliot Smith, Styles Colburn, Jill LeMasurier (Douglas), Tyler Colburn, Lindsey Ouimette (John), and Shannon Colburn. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Royden Smith; her daughter, Andrea Moran; and her siblings, Joyce Smith, Janice Walencewicz, Alan Lyon, Bruce Lyon, and David Lyon.

She is also survived by many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express our gratitude to home health care aides, Nadine Mayes, Cassandra Stone, Ruth Farilien and Cindy Dalterio and Connecticut Senior Homecare, LLC for their loving care of Bernice.

A mass of Christian burial will be at St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel, 46 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT at 11:00 a.m. on January 15, 2026, with burial to follow at Pink Cemetery, Mansfield.

Donations in her honor can be made to the St. Thomas Chapel.

Above all else, Bernice was a devoted wife, mother, and Mm. Her warmth, generosity, and quiet strength made everyone feel welcome and deeply loved. Family was the center of her world, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on through generations. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.

Bernice Smith-Hewes

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Chronicle on Jan. 10, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernice Smith-Hewes

Sponsored by Potter Funeral Home - Willimantic.

1 Entry

Donna Dobieski

February 5, 2026

I can´t say enough about what a special teacher Mrs. Smith was when two of my children were in her class at Parker School. They loved her and they loved her little dog. I, as their mom, loved her too. I knew my kids were in good hands.
Donna Dobieski

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Memorial Events
for Bernice Smith-Hewes

Jan

15

Service

11:00 a.m.

St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel

46 N Eagleville Rd, Mansfield, CT 06268

Jan

15

Burial

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Pink Cemetery

Bone Mill Rd., Storrs, CT 06268

Funeral services provided by:

Potter Funeral Home - Willimantic

456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT 06226

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