A retired music teacher returning home to the Fens after enjoying a river cruise in Russia, collapsed and died at Moscow airport.

Cambs Times: Unveiling of a portrait of former chairman Peter Hewitt and a picture of former chairman Harold Edgley at the March Museum.Unveiling of a portrait of former chairman Peter Hewitt and a picture of former chairman Harold Edgley at the March Museum. (Image: Archant)

Heather Hewitt, widow of the late Peter Hewitt, MBE, died on Saturday shortly before she was due to return to March.

Her distraught family were still waiting last night about the return of her body but arrangements are on hold whilst Russian authorities conduct an autopsy.

Mrs Hewitt, 73, was on holiday with her friend Mary Goakes when the tragedy happened.

Mr and Mrs Hewitt were a dynamic force around March where they were both big supporters of community and music groups and both had numerous interests.

Mrs Hewitt was a popular teacher who worked at Burrowmoor School, Westwood Junior and Cavalry Park.

After her retirement she continued at Cavalry school as a governor to help youngsters with their reading.

A talented musician, she played double bass, performed in a variety of prestigious orchestras, sang in choirs and taught music to students from across the Fens.

Her daughter Suzie Gull, said: “She was full of energy and very active.

“I have no idea how she fitted everything in.

“To die like this is a total shock.”

Mrs Hewitt, whose husband Peter died four years ago, was a member of Leicester Symphony Orchestra and orchestras in Stamford and Cambridge.

She played in the March and Chatteris brass bands and sang in Peterborough Chamber Choir as well as the choir at St Peter’s Church, March, where she regularly attended. She also performed with the Variante Ensemble.

Following her husband’s death she organised the March Concert Singers and was involved in the March Museum committee helping to organise educational trips for children.

Mrs Gull said: “She was well known in the town and will be much missed.

“I would like to thank mum’s friend Mary for being such a source of strength since dad died and for being so supportive at this difficult time.”

Mr Hewitt was a history teacher who taught at March Grammar school and the Neale Wade Academy where he continued to serve as a governor.

He was chairman of March Museum Society, chairman of the Board of Visitors at Whitemoor Prison and also served on the March Festival committee.

He was a talented singer and musical director and conductor of March Concert Singers for which he was the conductor and musical director, was secretary of the PCC of St Wendreda’s Church, was a stalwart of the WEA (Workers’ Education Association) having been a highly respected lecturer for 45 years teaching all over Cambridgeshire.

Mrs Hewitt leaves daughter Suzie Gull, a son Stephen Hewitt and grandchildren Bryony, Matthew, Layla, Kasper and Nina.