Karen Marie Hewitt

Karen Marie Hewitt
June 15, 1957 – May 31, 2025

New Hampton, NH — Karen Marie Hewitt, 67, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord, NH, surrounded by her devoted husband and children.

Born on June 15, 1957, in Brighton, MA, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Karen was the beloved daughter of the late Richard Bronsdon and Dorothy (Abberton) Bronsdon. She was the second of five children and is lovingly remembered by her siblings Kenneth Bronsdon, Scott Bronsdon, Christopher Bronsdon, and the late Kevin Bronsdon.

Karen leaves behind her loving husband of 50 years, Jay Hewitt, and their three children: Jeremiah Hewitt, Joseph Hewitt (and his wife, Kristen Hewitt), and Kate Hewitt. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jacob Hewitt and Kayla Hewitt.

A simple gift card to karate lessons led Karen and Jay to a shared passion that defined much of their lives. For over 40 years, they led Jay’s Tae Kwon Do, teaching more than 10,000 students across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including at the Attleboro YMCA and the Texas Instruments Activity Center. Their work promoted 22 Black Belts and raised tens of thousands of dollars for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, local charities, and community causes — often through powerful demonstrations and self-defense workshops in partnership with D.A.R.E. and shelters for survivors of domestic abuse.

Karen’s passion for health and education extended far beyond the dojang. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Dietetics from the University of Rhode Island and her MBA in Organizational Behavior from Suffolk University. A Registered Dietitian and proud vegetarian, Karen was a tireless advocate for wellness and prevention throughout her professional life. Her roles included Director of the Texas Instruments Activity Center, Senior Program Manager for Prevention and Wellness at Blue Cross Blue Shield, Corporate Wellbeing Senior Manager at Raytheon, and Senior Global Wellness and Prevention Director at United Natural Foods, Inc., where she retired in February 2024.

Never one to sit still, Karen devoted her retirement to meaningful service, becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and speaking on behalf of children in the child welfare system. Her selfless dedication and empathy were guiding lights in every chapter of her life.

Karen’s hobbies included traveling with Jay, walking and working out, gardening, reading and listening to audiobooks, and, most of all, spending time with her family. She had a brilliant mind, a generous heart, and a quiet strength that touched everyone she met. Among her closest friends were Melinda (“Nini”) Kwart and Pamela Santin, whose relationships she cherished deeply.

Her legacy is one of kindness, service, and strength — a woman whose light will continue to shine in all the lives she touched.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory may be made to the Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

A memorial website has been created to honor Karen’s legacy. Family and friends are encouraged to share photos, stories, and memories at a link to be announced.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com .

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.