Mary E. Hunter's Obituary
Mary E. Hunter born April 3, 1925 in San Diego died Oct.9, 2019 at her home in Pine Valley, attended by her family. She was 94 years and six months.Mary was the oldest of five children born to Grace Markwalder Impink and Joseph Impink. Mary was twin to Joseph Leroy Impink, who was lost to Whooping Cough at approx. 3 months of age, Dorothy Louise Impink Arregui Baker, Joseph Clifton Impink, Catherine Irene Impink Carson.The family lived in Coronado until they moved to Palm City, now Imperial Beach. Mary graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1945. She married her first husband Grant Turnbull in 1944. They lived in Imperial Beach until Mary and Grant divorced in 1952, then Mary moved her children to San Diego in 1956. While married, Mary and Grant had four children; Grant Donald Turnbull, Jean Marie Turnbull Miller, William Turnbull, and Clifton John Turnbull.Mary attended and graduated from San Diego State College, earning her teaching degree in 1961. At which point, she moved the children to Pine Valley where she was a teacher for the Mountain Empire School District until her retirement in the mid 1980’s. While in Pine Valley, Mary tied the knot with her second husband Cecil E. Woods in 1963. They were married just four years before his untimely death of a heart attack in 1967. Through her connection to Cecil, she married her third husband Hubert John Hunter; they were married until his death in Oct. 1995.Mary was active in several philanthropic organizations. She joined the Order of the Eastern Star on an Advance Night in 1963 where she served as Worthy Matron in 1990, 1994, 1997, 2006 and 2012. She was presented with her 50 year pin in 2013. She was also presented with a service award. Mary served as Southern chairman for the Cancer Dressing stations, making bandages. Served 56 years. In 1965 she joined the Social Order of the Beauciant. She served as their President on several years as well. Served 54 years.Mary was an avid traveler, she made trips to China, Europe, and cruised to Hawai’i, Alaska, and Panama. She visited many of the States in her journey to be with family. She loved adventure, camping, fishing, hunting were among her interests. Mar. 17, 1997, Mary needed a hip replaced. She became upset that she would miss out on corned beef and cabbage. Well a year later, she was riding a horse to go camping in the High Sierras.She spent a large part of her time giving to others. She used her quilting skills to make lap quilts and blankets, as well as adult size bibs to donate to the VA hospital and home. She gave small baby blankets to Door of Hope.When home, she could be found in her garden, improving and expanding it. Or in her very well stocked sewing room working away on some new project. She could also be located in her living room chair crocheting something to donate.Mary is preceded in death by her father, Joseph who passed away in 1937, he was killed in an automobile accident while driving a bread truck. Mary was in the vehicle, when it happened and came away with only a few scratches. Her mother, Grace passed on Jan.1, 1953 from complications with her heart. Mary took over the care and raising of young Catherine. She is also preceded by 3 other siblings. Mary is survived by her sister Catherine, her four children, eight grandchildren, 10 great-grand children, and two great-great-grand children.Her favorite music was opera, with her all-time favorite piece being Ride of the Valkyries.Mary was our Foundation Stone, our Comforter, our Adviser, Travel pal, Matriarch, Mother, Friend, and Confidant.She will now Forever be a Shining Star in our Heavens. Memorial Service on Nov. 3, 2019Chula Vista Masonic Center732 3rd AveChula Vista, CA2 PMReception to follow
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