Ethelmarie Hunter's Obituary
Ethelmarie (Rusty) Hunter of Gainesville, FL, formerly of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born on October 2, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, the only child of Ethel Marie (Lenihan) and Joseph Michael Vincent Walsh. She spent her childhood in Brooklyn and cherished her summers in Lake George, New York.
Ethelmarie dedicated her life to her family and community as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She graduated from the College of New Rochelle and began her career as an English and Art teacher in the New York City public school system. After marrying her husband, Jim, she moved to Connecticut to raise their family. While in Connecticut, she served as the Executive Director of the Volunteer Center in Stamford, leading the nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting volunteers throughout Southern Connecticut.
Upon retiring to Gainesville, Ethelmarie devoted her time to various organizations, notably supporting fundraising efforts for Haven Hospice of Gainesville. She took pride in chairing their annual fashion show fundraiser and volunteering at their Attic resale store. A lifelong traveler, she enjoyed exploring different parts of the world, with many memorable trips to Mexico, Africa, and Asia. In Gainesville, she loved playing bridge with friends and cheering on University of Florida sports as a Bull Gator donor.
Ethelmarie was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, James C. Hunter, and her son, James C. Hunter, Jr.
She is survived by her daughter, Annemarie Roman (Paul-Peter Roman), of Wilton, CT; her son, Andrew Hunter (Claire Hunter), of Chapel Hill, NC; and her grandchildren, Olivia Roman, Emma Hunter, and Conner Roman.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11:00 A.M., at the Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 10900 SW 24th Avenue, Gainesville, with Fr. Figi Philip George, celebrant. Mrs. Hunter will be interred privately alongside her husband at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606 or at www.beyourhaven.org/donate.
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