Mary Elizabeth (Sloat) Hunter, 95, of Walton, died peacefully on March 4, 2022 at Chenango Memorial Senior Living in Norwich.
Mary was born on August 23, 1926 in Bronxville to Henry and Estelle Sloat, and had one sister, Kate Bodin, all of whom have predeceased her.
Mary married William R. (Bubs) Hunter Jr. on Sept 23, 1951, in Nyack. They resided in Eastchester all of their married life. They have three daughters, and cherished son-in-laws; Dotti (Joe) Kruppo of Walton, Ronnie Hunter (Ron Saladin) of Clinton, Conn., and Patty (Steve) Wood also of Walton. Mary lost Bubs too young, in 1976, but did a wonderful job continuing to raise their daughters herself. Mary and Bubs bought land in 1963 and built their dream home in Walton during summer vacations and weekends. She moved to Walton full time in 1980 and embraced her new community.
Mary adored and spoiled her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her grandchildren Michaelia (Tommy Poulin) McClenon of Norwich, Shana McClenon of Greenwood Lake, Eric (Tiffany) Wood of Walton, Julie (Nick Hernandez) Wood of Reno, Nev., and Jenn (Brian) DeFluri of Pennsylvania; her
great-grandchildren, Lana and Tyler Powell, Graham and Cody Hernandez, Waverly Wood, Liz, TJ, and Madison Poulin and Mackenzie DeFluri.
Mary worked at Family Shopping Center and the Walton Pharmacy for many years, getting to know people in Walton quickly and jumping into volunteering for many causes, like the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association Radiothons. She was the president of the DVH Volunteers for over 20 years, and among her accomplishments in that role were the creation of a hospital gift shop and the annual Pennies From Heaven fund drive at the elementary school. She helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in her tenure for the hospital to buy equipment, room furnishings, and other needs for various departments.
She was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Church, and her beliefs and church family meant a lot to her. The condolences we have received just confirm to us how many lives she touched, makes us proud and brings us comfort and peace.
She was predeceased by her parents, sister and husband, many brothers and sisters-in-law, and many dear friends. She is survived by her immediate family, her brother-in-law James Hunter, sister-in-law Wini Hunter Heinzinger of Eastchester, and dear friend Maureen Hillen of Tuckahoe.
She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews across the country, and friends here in Walton, especially her neighbor Nancy Paul.
Relatives and friends were invited to call at St. John the Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 8. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held there today, Wednesday, March 9 at noon. A reception will follow in the parish hall. She will be buried next to her husband Bubs at Holy Mount Cemetery in Eastchester on Thursday, March 10 with a graveside service at noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to DVH Volunteers.
Arrangements are under the direction of Courtney Funeral Home, Walton. Condolences to the family may be made online at www.courtneyfh.com.
