Obituary of Deborah Lee Hunter

Deborah Lee Hunter (nee Schultz)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, Deborah Lee Hunter (nee Schultz). Debbie was born on September 9, 1951, in Pembroke, Ontario to her parents, Helen (nee Barrett) and Bert Schultz. She was a cherished sister to Mary Jane Carroll and a loving wife to Brian Hunter. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Meredith and Matthew, who brought immense joy into her life. Matthew is married to Ali, and they have two beautiful little girls, Aubree and Ella.

Debbie's passion for education led her to graduate from Western University, and she dedicated her career to teaching elementary school in Kitchener and Cambridge. She had a special place in her heart for her students, especially those who faced unique challenges. She spoke of her students with great care and affection. Debbie made lifelong friends in her teaching colleagues and kept those bonds strong through the years with coffee shop meetings and luncheon get-togethers.

Summers were a source of joy for Debbie and her family, as they spent countless days at their cottage on the Ottawa River. It was a place of family gatherings, dinners, and the laughter of cousins coming together. She cherished those moments and the opportunity to reunite with her best friend, Debbie Doran, whose friendship meant the world to her.

In retirement, Debbie remained very active.  She took up sewing and designed dozens of doll outfits.  Each design was reproduced seven times to be given to the children of family and friends.  She was also an avid gardener both at home in Kitchener and at the cottage.  She also loved to pick-up up glass on a nearby beach at the cottage.  Over 6,000 pieces!

Debbie's passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her unwavering love for her family, dedication to her students, and the warmth she shared with friends will be remembered and cherished by all. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the memories she created with those she held dear.

A visitation to celebrate Debbie’s life will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with remarks at 7:00 pm, where friends and family will gather to pay their respects and share their memories. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Grand River Regional Cancer Centre.

The family is forever grateful for the excellent care she received from the numerous doctors and nurses that cared for her at both Grand River and Princess Margaret Cancer Centres, and MAID.

Debbie's memory will forever be a guiding light, reminding us to live with kindness, love, and dedication, just as she did throughout her life. She will be deeply missed but will remain in our hearts as a source of inspiration and love.