Wrexham grave of Marguerita Blewitt
Marguerita Blewitt, d.2021
Marguerita (‘Rita’) was born on 15 September 1938 in Salop Road, Wrexham, to Margaret and Alfred Lamb. She attended St Giles' School, Wrexham, before taking a job at the Salop Road leather works.
She also joined the Territorial Army at Hightown Barracks, Wrexham, where she met Sergeant Royston Charles Blewitt of the Royal Welch Fusiliers in 1958. The couple married in 1959 at St Giles' Parish Church. Their children Garry, Tony and Gaynor were born in 1960, 1961 and 1962. The family moved to Tidworth in 1961 in connection with the 1st Battalion RWF.
From 1964 to 1971, the Blewitts lived in Hong Kong, where Rita was an active member of the SWB/RWF Warrant Officer's and Sergeant's Mess. She loved to dance, preferably often in ballgowns or fancy dress.
In 1971 Roy was promoted to Regimental Sergeant Major with the 3rd Battalion RWF at Hightown Barracks. Rita worked at Mackay's shop, Wrexham.
After returning to Tidworth in 1974, Rita became a care assistant at the 1st Battalion's nursery. She also looked after the Battalion boxing team, where she was affectionately known as Aunty Rita.
During the couple's posting to Lemgo, Germany, from 1978 to 1982, Rita continued as care assistant and supported the wives' club, especially when the men were on operational tours or long exercises. Rita was fondly remembered for dancing with the young subalterns in the Officer's Mess.
Returning to Wrexham 1983 with Roy as a Permanant Staff Administration Officer, Rita and Roy bought a house on Chester Road and supported forces' welfare cases. The middle photo shows Captain Roy Blewitt with Rita and Gaynor when he received the MBE at Buckingham Palace in 1993 for his forces' charity work. He passed away in June 2011. His remains were interred at St Giles' Parish churchyard with full regimental honours.
Rita continued her work with the annual RBL poppy appeal. She enjoyed socialising with old school friends and continued to dance (lowest photo). She died at home in April 2021. Her son Garry (who also served in the RWF) sums up: "Rita was very much the army wife, scrupulously independent, compassionate and with a humorous approach to life."