Shirley Hunter

Shirley (Hauschulz) Hunter passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Dec. 3, 2011.

Born May 28, 1923, in New Britain, she was the daughter of Albert and Laura (Driscoll) Hauschulz. She was a graduate of Wethersfield High School in 1941, where she met the love of her life, Richard G. Hunter.

In September 1958, tragedy struck and she was suddenly widowed and left to raise eight children ages 10 months to 17 years. Aided by her strong faith in God, Shirley met this challenge bravely and instilled in her children a strong set of family values. As time went on, Shirley became the matriarch of the family as it continued to grow. Each new member was welcomed with open arms. Her greatest joys were weddings and the news of a new grandchild or great-grandchild. One of her proudest accomplishments was surviving the Great Circus Fire of 1944 with her younger sisters and daughter, Patricia. She was retired from HELCO, where she worked in customer services. Prior to that, she worked for the East Hartford school system food services. Shirley had a strong faith in God and believed in service to others. She was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in East Hartford and Trinity Church in Wethersfield. She served in many roles on committees including Tri Fi, Vestry, Altar Guild, and Women's Guild. She prepared and served countless meals for church functions. She was also a member of the Deanery and served on the Auxiliary Board of the Seabury Home for many years. Shirley was a 54-year active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she was Past Matron of Good Intent Chapter No. 17, Order of the Eastern Star of South Glastonbury (formally Wethersfield Chapter), and Worthy Matron of Hope Chapter No. 60, Order of the Eastern Star of South Windsor. She was also Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Maryland in the Grand Chapter of Connecticut. She was a member of the Order of Amaranth, Laurel Court No. 8 in New Britain. She also belonged to the Daughters of the Nile, Aisha Temple No. 83 in New Britain, and Hillstown Grange No. 87 in East Hartford.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Richard G. Hunter Sr.; her brother, Robert Hauschulz; her sisters, Gloria Liberia and Nancy Aldrich; as well as daughter Patricia McClelland; and sons, Richard G. Hunter Jr. and Edward Hunter. She leaves countless memories to be cherished by her children, Virginia Hunter of South Windsor, Regina and Walter Kustwan of Wethersfield, John and Charlene Hunter of Coventry, Lawrence and Karen Hunter of Barkhamsted, and James and Deborah Hunter of Amston. She also leaves her son-in-law, Russell McClelland of Wethersfield; and daughter-in-law, Beth Hunter of Derry, N.H., who affectionately knew her as Mom. She is also survived by her sister and husband, Arlene and Alden Carlson of Cromwell; and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; as well as many who were part of her extended family. Her immediate and extended family and all who knew her will be forever grateful for all the lessons learned by her example and will miss her endless stories and ability to laugh at any situation.

Her family will receive friends Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., with an Eastern Star service at 7:30 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 11 Rector St., East Hartford. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Hillside Avenue, East Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Church Memorial Fund or a charity of the donor's choice.

For online condolences, please visit

www.carmonfuneralhome.com