Genevieve F. Hewitt

Genevieve F. Hewitt, an author, columnist, and former home building and decorating editor at Good Housekeeping magazine, died on Oct. 26 in Manhattan after a brief illness, her family said. She was 88.

Ms. Hewitt had been a part-time Rivers Road, East Hampton, resident for many years. In 1983 she fulfilled a lifelong dream, buying land in Northwest Woods, where a few years later she had a house built. She and her late husband, Richard G. Hewitt, whom she married in 1989, spent nearly every weekend there.

Her family said she loved the fresh corn sold at the Bistrian stand at the corner of North Main and Cedar Streets in East Hampton and the food at the Barefoot Contessa and Round Swamp Farm.

Ms. Hewitt, who was born on Aug. 11, 1927, in Manhattan to Abraham M. Fisch and the former Alice Silver, grew up there and in Scarsdale, N.Y. After building her house here, said her family, she was devoted to the East Hampton Library and enjoyed maintaining her flowerpots, including growing fresh mint for iced tea. She loved to swim in her pool, cook and bake, and watch movies in an upstairs loft at the Rivers Road house. Other interests included The New York Times crossword puzzle and travel.

She was a graduate of Smith and Barnard Colleges. In addition to Good Housekeeping, her career included contributions to Woman’s Day, House Beautiful, and House and Garden magazines, and a syndicated column, which she wrote for 12 years.

She was an accomplished bridge player, the family said, reaching status as a gold life master.

Ms. Hewitt leaves a sister, Nancy Fish of Los Angeles, and two daughters, Elizabeth Meyer of Old Saybrook, Conn., and Katherine Meyer of New York City. Three grandchildren survive as well. Her brothers, Richard and Stephen Fisch, died before her, as did her first husband, William B. Fernandez. Mr. Hewitt died in 2008.

Donations in Ms. Hewitt’s memory have been suggested to Smiletrain.org, or by phone, 800-932-9541.