Obituary of Cicely Anne Hunter

OBITUARY for CICELY ANNE HUNTER (February 7th, 1929 – December 31, 2019) Cicely Anne MacLeod was born in Steep Creek, Saskatchewan, on February 7, 1929. Her grandfather had homesteaded on “The Forks” of the North Saskatchewan River and she was forever proud of her Saskatchewan roots. In curling and football season, Mom was always cheering for ‘the Green.’ And she loved to cheer. Grey Cup parties were a favourite with food, friends and lots of good cheer. When a touchdown was scored, she made sure that someone would grab her home-made stick horse and ‘gallop’ through the house. Mom was an artist at heart. She loved to doodle and sketch and dabbled in all kinds of art. It was never meant for public display, she simply enjoyed the creative process. When her boys were young she always invented some papier-mâché heads to be worn to the ice carnival that ended each hockey season. One year they were dressed as pink elephants. Another they were cannibals from some remote jungle area. It seemed natural that she was employed for many years as the Art Teacher at the Hanna Junior High. Cicely Anne MacLeod began her teaching career working in one-room school houses, sometimes teaching children who were almost as old as the teacher. In 1954, the MacLeod sisters (Cicely and her younger sister Betty) loaded up their crank-start car (they had purchased it together) and they headed West. Cicely drove and these two beautiful young ladies left Saskatchewan for new employment, and love, in Hanna. She loved teaching. She couldn’t wait for school to start each September. Cicely married Gordon Hunter in 1956 and he truly was the love of her life. They were proud of their small town, and truly appreciated all that a small town has to offer. They raised their four sons in Hanna, where there was always the opportunity to swim, play hockey, curl and participate in school sports. The Hunters and Simpsons always looked forward to their weekend of tent-camping at Steveville, on the Victoria Day holiday each spring. It was a tradition which lasted for decades. Mom loved to curl in the winter and golf in the summer. And when she was retired, she loved to take golf vacations with family friends to Nevada and Arizona. In the latter years of her teaching career she returned to her earlier love of teaching primary school. Gordon and Cicely enjoyed many wonderful years of retirement. They loved their sons and were very proud of the men they became. They loved their daughters-in-law as the girls they never had and the grandchildren always brought proud smiles to their faces. Gordon died in 2011 and a little bit of Cicely died on that day as well. The sun never shone as bright for Cicely when Gordon wasn’t there to share it. But she carried on, with the determination that is characteristic of children born in the Great Depression: Work hard and appreciate everything that is wonderful in your life. As old age brought further challenges, Mom simply persevered. It was her desire to remain in her home and she adapted and changed as the challenges increased. Her determination was awe-inspiring. She looked forward, each summer to the Hunter family get-together in August, where she had the opportunity to see her sons and their wives, as well as many of her nine grand-children and seven great-grand-children. Mom had a great life, and she would be the first to tell you that. She was amazed that she lived 90 years and was at peace when she entered the hospital on December 20. She would simply say, “I’m ready.” Cicely Anne Hunter passed away on December 31, 2019. She is survived by her sons; Donald (Connie), Grant (Leana), Geoff (Lisa), and David (Mary). Raised in a family with 9 siblings, she is survived by 3 brothers and 3 sisters. The Clan MacLeod hail from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. Their motto, “Hold Strong” runs deep through the blood of the MacLeods – and it certainly ran through Cicely and continues through her family. Hold Strong, Mom. At Cicely’s request, there will be a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Cicely can be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society: 200, 325 Manning Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5. The family thanks Laurie Palmer and Hanna Funeral Services for their kindness and guidance. As well, the family would like to thank Dr. Mdawe and the staff at the Hanna Hospital for the compassionate care they provided for our mother. Hanna Funeral Services entrusted with the care and arrangements; 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca