Jane Hunter

Jane F. Hunter

August 15, 1983 - March 7, 2025

Jane Frances Hunter, a talented poet and beloved daughter, sister, niece, and cousin, passed away tragically on March 7, 2025, at the age of 41. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Margaret Mary Cunningham Hunter and William Henry Hunter IV, Jane grew up with a passion for words and a heart full of kindness and innocence.

Jane's body was discovered on March 6, 2025, on the rooftop of her Bronx apartment building-a place she sometimes visited to stargaze and meditate. This rooftop was a sanctuary for Jane, where she found peace amid life's challenges. To the great relief of her family, her passing was "organic" and not the result of foul play. Jane was alone when she died, and her loved ones hope she found tranquility in her final moments.

Jane's life was marked by struggles with addiction and mental illness-battles she faced with courage, but without the support she deserved from a system that failed her time and again. Despite these challenges, Jane remained a kind-hearted soul and an extraordinarily gifted poet whose words touched those who knew her.

Jane was predeceased by her father, William Henry Hunter IV, who passed away on July 6, 2006. She is survived by her cherished mother, Margaret Mary Cunningham Hunter; her beloved baby brother, "booboo," Kevin Patrick Hunter; great aunt Elinor Bayse; aunt Lorraine Hunter; and cousins on her father's side: Timothy R. Hunter Jr.; Elizabeth Stinson and her children; Julianne Hunter; and Chelsea Meister and her children. Jane is also survived by cousins on her mother's side: Pilar "Missy" Cunningham, Maryanne Cunningham, Nancy Cunningham, and Rachel Barrett-Martin, Nancy's daughter. Jane adored her family deeply and treasured the special bond she shared with each of them.

A wake was held at FG Guido Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025, where every detail was lovingly attended to by Maria Ray Guido, a longtime friend of the Cunningham family, to whom we will be forever grateful. The wake was followed by a funeral Mass at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary & St. Stephen, Roman Catholic Church, on Thursday, March 13th, where she was celebrated by friends and family. Her eulogy was written and read by her brother. This service was followed by her cremation at Green-Wood Cemetery, where, upon her arrival, the famous flock of monk parakeets, who nest atop the cemetery's archway, welcomed her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to support funeral expenses and fulfill Jane's dream of having her poetry published and her ashes scattered in Ireland.

Jane's poetry captured the depth of her experiences and emotions. Her family plans to honor her legacy by publishing her work so that others may continue to be inspired by her voice. We hope that her poetry will remain a testament to her enduring spirit.

Below, please read her poem, "A letter to my younger self."

"I have seen the stars

Your soul is composed of...

Each, a wish waiting to be filled.

The potential you harbor within

that tiny frame of yours is so radiant.

You are so glorious.

And you don't even know it.

I wish I could unzip you.

Let all the light

That you've suppressed

For so long

Blaze bright for all the world to see.

I wish that you could know

the warmth and love

You so freely give

To everyone but yourself.

How beautifully your soul burns...

How immense your power is...

I know your Shine

Could chase away all of the darkness

You so fear,

Never realizing

It is no match for the blinding pyre

That is your spirit.

I wish I could be

The One to ignite that eternal ember

Within you,

So you could be as dazzled

By your incandescent soul

As I am, now.

Step out of the shadows

My darling...

This world is dark enough.

This world needs,

This world deserves,

Every ounce of Brilliance

You have hidden from it,

You've hidden from yourself.

Your radiance is so rare.

And stunning.

How I wish you could behold you,

with these eyes,

So that you could view yourself

in all your wondrous splendor.

Stand up.

Open your arms.

Open your eyes.

Open your heart.

Shine.

To let one more day pass

Believing you are anything but Magical

would be tragic,

And you, my dear and precious girl,

are anything but."