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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 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 October 1, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., Winnipeg, R2W 3V7 (www.cropo.com). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. Cropo Funeral Chapel 204-586-8044
Publish Date: Sep 27, 2014
JEAN HUNTER It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Jean, on September 17, 2014 at the Grace Hospital. Longer obituary to follow in Saturday, September 27 edition.
CROPO FUNERAL HOME
204-586-8044
Publish Date: Sep 20, 2014
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 27, 2014
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Jean was the great-granddaughter of Cassius Clay Merritt, early pioneer family of Duluth, MN. Jean lived a life that saw an incredible period of history. Her passing ends a beacon of light and she will be missed by all who knew her. - Posted by: Ron Merritt (distant relative) on: Jun 13, 2015
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When I was a young boy, Aunt Jean would visit us in Florida. Each night she would take her hair down from the bun she always wore and comb out her hair. She was probably in her 40s at the time. I thought she was almost magical. And smart. Kind. Curious. Charming. Incredibly talented. She saw life through this beautiful lens; a different lens than the rest of us did...or certainly different than mine. And I so admired her for it. I once rowed her around the islands in Nine-Mile Lake. It was overcast and then a shaft of light broke through. Of course she captured the moment on film and it is still my favorite picture of the lake. Years later I paddled her around a bird sanctuary in Florida's intracoastal waterway. She was thrilled by the variety and number of birds nesting there. Her pictures turned into a raku vase which is as beautiful as any she ever created. Jean was magical. My oldest son thought she was cool. My wife adored her. I thought she was the brightest star in the family constellation. And now she is gone, like Mom and Will and Frank and all those other giants of their time. What a clan they were! I am honored to be her nephew. There is a great hole in our universe that Jean used to fill. I will miss her magic. Our love and condolences to you, Heidi. Steve, Jeana and the boys - Posted by: Steve Seibert (Nephew) on: Sep 30, 2014
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Jean was such an amazing woman. I felt so lucky and fortunate to have met her and spend glorious time with her. She and her sister Pat were beacons of light, joy, energy and love. Heidi, my sincere sympathy to you. I hope your memories and knowledge of the amazing woman that was your mom will give you peace and happiness at some point in the future. Nancy & Steve, my condolences to you as well as I know she was a huge part of your lives as well. She was a treasure to all. - Posted by: Dianne Robbins () on: Sep 29, 2014
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I was introduced to Jean 18 years ago. My wife Carla Stefansson kept Jean's home clean for many years. They were friends. Carla loved Jean's Raku pottery and had a collection of marvelous pieces. Jean was a remarkable person. Vital, interested and gracious. Two amazing and talented women passed from my life this year. Both enriched it immeasurably. - Posted by: Howard Gurevich (Friend) on: Sep 29, 2014
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I reconnected with Jean after many years. She was cordial, genteel, warm, gracious, welcoming and . . . family! Heidi, I send you much, much love and hugs. - Posted by: Beverly Bravo (Second Cousin) on: Sep 29, 2014
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I can't believe this vibrant lively lady was 95. Thanks for the nice story of her life. It sounds as though there were a lot of interesting stories behind the various stages described above. I started doing Haiku Pottery after seeing a piece she made. Wish I'd been able to attend a backyard firing party. Patti Johnson - Posted by: patricia Johnson (friend of Heidi) on: Sep 29, 2014
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A beautiful, talented, lovely lady. Her magic for the arts will live on through the heart, hands and passion of her daughter Heidi. Our sincere sympathies are with Heidi and all who loved and knew Jean. I will always remember with fondness the times I spent at the Hunter family home along the river in St. James. - Posted by: Jan Currier (Childhood friend of Heidi.) on: Sep 28, 2014
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Having known Jean for many years we were so saddened to learn of her passing. We will always remember her as a talented artist with an effervescent personality and a joie de vivre about everything she did in life. We are proud to own one of her fabulous raku 'Jean Pots' and will treasure it all the more now. Sending her entire family and all her friends our deepest sympathies. From an Inuit Legend: 'Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in the Heavens Where the light from our lost loved ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy' RIP Jean. We will all miss you. - Posted by: Penny and Allan Kiesler () on: Sep 20, 2014
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Jean was a very special lady and we enjoyed all the friendship and knowledge she passed on to us at the 17 Wing Ceramics Club. She will be dearly missed by the whole club. - Posted by: Rita McNeil (Friend) on: Sep 20, 2014
