Lyla Hunter

1934 - 2025

Lyla Beth Hunter (Brown) passed away Saturday September 14 in Wellsville at age 91 after a period of declining health. Recently she had lived in Hornell.

Lyla Beth was born January 14, 1934, in Buffalo to Betty (Dilley) and W. Harland Brown. Her family eventually settled in Newfane, where she graduated with merit from Newfane High School in 1952 and went on to St. Joseph's Academy Business School, from which she would obtain the certification necessary for a career in office administration.

Her work as secretary at Lockport Felt Company of Newfane and Mesch & Associates engineers (Lockport) supported her new husband John O. Hunter (married in 1956) through his graduate years at the University of Buffalo. She enjoyed working and continued even as John pursued a successful career as a college administrator, working at Abbott Laboratories in Illinois while John was president of the College of Lake County.

She was also very active as (unpaid) social secretary and co-host to husband John in his career spanning four college presidencies, including the presidency of Alfred State College.

Deeply religious, she was an active church member wherever she lived, from Lake Ontario to Lake Michigan, from the Ohio River to the Genesee. She combined talents honed in a musical household (she was recipient of the Landel Vocal Music Prize and the Glenn Corwin Instrumental Prize in Newfane High School) with her religious enthusiasm to produce five albums of gospel songs.

She was predeceased by husband John. She is survived by four children: Elaine DeWeen (James) of Wheatfield, John Hunter (Nayeema) of Toronto, Suzanne Hunter (Timothy Tielman) of Buffalo, and Elizabeth Oliver of Hornell; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Visitation at Rutland Corwin Funeral Home, 2670 Main Street (Rt. 78), Newfane, Friday October 3, 2025 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial service Saturday, October 4 at 11:00, also at 2670 Main Street, followed by burial at Corwin Cemetery, 3211 Lockport-Olcott Road (Rt. 78), Newfane.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Cozy Cats and Kittens rescue, 80 Seneca Street, Hornell, NY 14843.

Cursum Perfico! Floreat Majestas!