Jean Arlene Hewlett

Passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, surrounded by loving family. She was 94 and a resident of New Castle, DE. Arlene truly knew that it was more blessed to give than to receive. Her generosity knew no bounds. A loving family member and best friend to all, Arlene's radiant smile lit up any room she entered. She enjoyed reading, going to church, traveling, dancing, teaching, and vacationing at her beloved beach house in Maryland. Most of all she loved spending time with family and friends.

Born in Milford, DE on December 6, 1930, Arlene was the eldest daughter of the late John and Kathryn Wright McGee. She graduated from Milford High School and then the University of Delaware class of 1952 with a degree in Education. While at Delaware, Arlene received numerous awards and honors including President of the U of D chapter of the national honor society Mortar Board, Women's Sports Editor of the student newspaper the "Review", and Vice President of the Women's Athletic Association. Most importantly, while working as a waitress in the university dining hall to help pay her way through college, Arlene met her future husband, Frank 'Pop" Hewlett Jr.

In 1952, she started teaching at Milford Elementary School. Arlene found great reward in igniting a spark of understanding in students and celebrating their successes. In 1953, Frank and Arlene embarked on a long and happy marriage of 64 years until Frank passed in 2017.

Immediately after marriage, Frank and Arlene moved to the neighborhood of Swanwyck in New Castle. Shortly thereafter, she left formal teaching to raise her three children. She eventually returned to teaching, working for various schools in the Colwyck district. Arlene's final tenure as a school teacher was her most rewarding. She worked for many years at the John G. Leach School, a school that serves students with special needs. She taught physical education at the school. Arlene built a robust physical education program focused on adaptive physical education for students with disabilities.

After retirement, Frank and Arlene moved into the City of Old New Castle where they joined the N.C. Historical Society, Friends of the Library, and the Senior Center. Together, they took long walks to Battery Park, a scenic riverfront park with panoramic views of the Delaware River, Delaware Memorial Bridge, and passing ships. Arlene could frequently be found with her nose buried in a book at the New Castle Public Library.

Arlene never lost her smile and cheerfulness, nor her deep and intense love for her family. She is survived by her son Frank L Hewlett III and his husband Tony Huang of Fort Lee, NJ; son John R Hewlett of Wilmington DE; and daughter Kay Ellen Ambrose and husband Richard Ambrose of Lewes, DE. She is also survived by four grandchildren: John R. Hewlett Jr. (Yana), Mark Ryan Hewlett (Leigh), Kelly Lynn Ambrose, and Kimberly Jean Ambrose; sister Pricilla Ward; great grandchildren Jake Hewlett and Archer Hewlett; as well as several nieces and a nephew. She was looking forward to the birth of her third great grandson.

The family wishes to thank Juniper Village at Newark for their kind and loving care.

We will remember Arlene as the steady heart of our family, whose love and encouragement shaped who we are today.

Friends and family are invited to attend a service on Friday, November 21 at 10:30 am at New Castle United Methodist Church, 510 Delaware Street, New Castle DE 19720. Friends may call at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made in Arlene's name to: Cure Alzheimer's Fund https://curealz.org/