Helen R. Hunter; 91
Beloved wife and mother, retired Lowell teacher
TEWKSBURY: Helen Rouse Hunter, age 91, a resident of Tewksbury for 69 years, and a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, May 19, 2016. She was the beloved wife of Robert A. Hunter for 70 wonderful years.
Born in Magnolia, North Carolina on September 2, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Walter D. Rouse and the late Eugenia (Murray) Rouse.
Helen graduated from Warsaw High School in North Carolina, where she played basketball. Following graduation, she attended East Carolina University, where she received her B.S. Degree in Education. Helen later attended Tufts University, where she received her Master’s Degree in Education.
In 1947, Helen moved to Tewksbury and began her teaching career with the Wilmington and Tewksbury Public School Systems.
Prior to her retirement, she was employed for 43 years as a remedial reading teacher by the Lowell Public Schools. Helen was a longtime member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
Helen took great pride in raising her five children. In addition, she enjoyed gardening, sewing, and quilting.
She was known for her optimistic perspective and when asked how she was doing she would often reply “Can’t complain, nobody’s listening”. Her family will miss her caring, positive outlook on life.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by five children, Cheryl Hunter-Vandal and her husband Gene of Ocala, FL, Dianne Hunter of Bedford, NH, Robert Hunter of Tewksbury, William Hunter of Lowell, and Sue-Ellen Kazanjian and her husband Alan of Dracut; nine grandchildren, Shane, Dereck, Troy, Tyler, Mark, Nicole, Scott, Lauren, and Alyssa; three great grandchildren, Hunter, Adelaide, and Noah; also many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Helen was the sister of the late Catherine Lloyd, Ethel Craig, Joseph, David, Felton, and Walter Rouse.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, May 24, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1500 Andover St., Tewksbury, followed by her funeral services to be held at the church. Interment will be at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church, 1500 Andover St., Tewksbury, MA 01876. Arrangements entrusted to Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, Tewksbury.