Mary Kathleen Hunter passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Asbury Springhill Assisted Living Center in Erie, PA with her family by her side. She was born on February 25, 1935, in Erie, the daughter of the late Earl James Cooper and Mildred Robertson Cooper.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Joseph (Joe) Hunter; and her brother, William Cooper; and is survived by her sisters, Virginia Stilson and Karen Dworakowski (Tom); her children, Thomas (Vicki) of Cooper City, FL and their son Ryan; Lynne (Jeff) of Merion Station, PA; and Timothy (Gretchen) of North East along with their three daughters, Brittany (Kyle) Peterson, Jordan (R) Lilly, and LaceyJo; as well as two great-grandchildren, Aurora and Kennedy; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kathy (or “Toots”, a family nickname bestowed by her father), was a life-long resident of Erie. She graduated from East High School in 1952 and completed her bachelor’s degree in education at Mercyhurst University in 1956. She was proud to be a lifelong Laker. She married Joe on November 9, 1957, and began her career in the City of Erie School District spending most of her time teaching first grade at John C Diehl Elementary School until her retirement in 1994. Her home was located very close to Diehl School and rarely a day went by where current and former students didn’t stop by to say hello and check in with Mrs. Hunter. In addition, she was also extremely fortunate to develop a very close group of longtime friends and teacher buddies who enjoyed lunches, exercise and many enjoyable trips and events.
After her retirement, she had ample time to spend on her favorite hobbies, gardening and reading. She truly loved being outdoors, working in the yard and enjoying the plants and the peace they provided, and never without her next thriller novel. She would visit Tom in Florida every winter and help with all the gardening projects at their house. She also loved attending Ryan’s many sporting events, always offering encouragement and support. She often visited Lynne in Pittsburgh and later in Philadelphia, again enjoying their beautiful gardens as well as helping with their many outdoor projects. Grandma Toots was also active and engaged in the childhoods of Tim and Gretchen’s three nearby granddaughters attending school, sporting, and literally every fun family event and holiday. Always available to help when needed, they were a proud focal point of her life in Erie.
Throughout her life, Kathy was kind, generous and caring for others above herself. Always concerned about whatever was going on to see how it would affect those around her. She will truly be missed.
A private interment will be held at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercyhurst University or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.
Posted online on October 26, 2026
Published in Erie Times-News