Obituary of JEAN HUNTER

JEAN HUNTER June 8, 1919 - September 17, 2014 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jean, on September 17, 2014, at the age of 95. She slipped away peacefully at the Grace Hospital, with her partner, and beloved daughter by her side. She is survived by her loving partner Sidney Beaudoin (Winnipeg), daughter Heidi Hunter (Winnipeg Beach), niece Nancy Cappo and nephew Steven Seibert (Florida). She was predeceased by her husband Paul Hunter, and her sister and worthy Scrabble opponent, Patricia Seibert. Dorothy Jean Hunter was born June 8, 1919 to Velma (nee Hill) and Merritt Robbins in St. Paul, Minnesota. She graduated valedictorian from the 1936 class of University High School and in 1940, from Macalester College. She then attended St. Paul Gallery and School of Art, and later studied at the New York Institute of Photography. Always at the front of Twin Cities artists and photographers, she taught over a thousand photo-artists in her studio with first husband Everett Kroeger, frequently presenting programs at regional and national conventions, and offering consultant services all over the US. Following the ending of this marriage, Jean moved to Winnipeg, and married the Hudson Bay photographer Paul Hunter in 1958. They built a home studio on river property and welcomed the arrival of their daughter Heidi in 1959. Many of the works of the Hunters’ Studio are found in Winnipeg homes. Jean’s fine oil portrait of John Bracken hangs in the Manitoba Legislature Hall of Premiers. Before and after Paul’s death, Jean facilitated weekly family support groups for the Manitoba Alzheimer’s Society. Throughout her entire life in both the US and Canada, she was an active member of Altrusa International, donating her time and creative energies in community service. Her late-life interest in pottery produced countless interesting and experimental ceramic pieces, and many lasting friendships resulted from her raku firings in the big back yard. Her last happy years were spent sharing life with Sid. Brought together by their love of photography and each other, they enjoyed travelling the countryside, walking Sturgeon Creek and taking pictures. An artist to the core, she was never seen without her camera. Jean loved beauty and created it every day. At her request, there will be an informal gathering of friends to celebrate her long life on Wednesday Oct. 1, 2-4 pm, at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., Wpg, R2W 3V7 (www.cropo.com). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.