By Grainger Marburg, Executive Director
Rosemary Hewlett, a founding board member and staunch
advocate of Peninsula Bridge for the past twenty years, passed away on
October 29th. The news saddened me. Although I didn't know Rosemary
well, I experienced her warm hospitality and immense generosity from
the moment I joined Bridge in 2005. She had a rare, playful quality
that drew people to her. Her astute mind was as bright as her heart
was big. Rosemary genuinely cared about the program and was always
ready to hear an anecdote about a former student or get an update on
how things were going. She exemplified the best attributes of an
engaged contributor and friend and taught me a good deal about
compassion, integrity, and keeping one's convictions alive.Rosemary's warm and vivacious personality touched many
people. Les DeWitt, founder and current board member, remembers
Rosemary from her earliest involvement with Peninsula Bridge: "My
initial impression was that Mrs. William Hewlett wanted to be addressed
as Rosie; she was very "down to earth" and had a constant twinkle in
her eye. Rosie was fun to be around. As a board member she was first
and foremost a very good listener. She would let the discussion play
out and would only interject if she had a strong opinion about an
issue. When she asked a question it was usually very insightful and
added to the debate at hand. In this respect she was a "quiet" leader
because when she did speak it garnered the full attention of the board.
The sparkle of her personality was unique and was so admired by all of
her colleagues on the board. She was truly one of a kind and I am
very proud to call her my friend."
Peninsula Bridge board chair, John Draper, recalls her hospitality and warmth as Les and the small group of founders sat around Rosemary's dining room table with steaming cups of coffee and discussed launching a cooperative educational project between the public and independent schools. At those early meetings Rosemary often reminded the group that education was the only way to break the cycle of poverty. She never stopped believing that.
Peninsula Bridge board chair, John Draper, recalls her hospitality and warmth as Les and the small group of founders sat around Rosemary's dining room table with steaming cups of coffee and discussed launching a cooperative educational project between the public and independent schools. At those early meetings Rosemary often reminded the group that education was the only way to break the cycle of poverty. She never stopped believing that.
Rosemary Hewlett was an unusually generous and kind person. Her concern for the less privileged members of our community has deeply impacted Peninsula Bridge, our students and their families. Her many contributions to the organization will not be forgotten and her legacy of good will and kindness will be carried by me and others as we continue our work now and in the future.