Mary R. Hunter, of Antigo, passed away surrounded by family on October 25, 2023 at Pine Meadow in Antigo. She was 91 years old. She was born on June 7, 1932 in Amery, a daughter of William and Marion (Culbertson) Vassau. She married William Hunter on June 6, 1953 at St. John Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on November 3, 1985.
She attended Antigo High School and was a graduate of Tomahawk High School, class of 1951. Mary worked at Hunter's Super Market and Lakeside Pharmacy & Grocery as the seasonal Christmas Candy Lady for over 30 years. She also worked as a greeting card merchandiser for many years in retail stores around the area.
Mary was known for her "Mary Hunter Brownies" that she made for many occasions and bake sales. She was a member of St. John Catholic Church and volunteered with various church events through the years and took communion to the homebound. Mary also volunteered at AVAIL and the Antigo Community Food Pantry.
She enjoyed playing Bridge and Rook, knitting hats and mittens to donate to churches, local groups and fundraisers, trips to the casino, and spending time at the family cottage with her grandchildren when they were younger. Her faith, family and friends were of great importance to Mary.
Survivors include two daughters, Terri (Tom) Tourtillott of Wausau and Sherri Hunter of Antigo; a son, Jerry Hunter of Antigo; eight grandchildren, Katie (Kevin) Guay of Kittery, Maine, Kelly (Mark) Wilkening of Chicago, Erin (Freddy) Pedrique of West Palm Beach, Fla., Bridget (Tim) Corcoran of Woodbury, Minn., Patty Marten of Fall Creek, Chris (Jen) Sell of River Falls, Jon Sell of Eau Claire, William Tourtillott of Wausau; 12 great-grandchildren, Gracie and Tori Marten, Ryan and Eli Sell, Jack, Madeline and Caroline Guay, Ruby and Beulah Wilkening, Layla, Marley and Taylor Pedrique; son-in-law, Daniel (Sharon) McLaughlin; sister-in-law, Mary Hunter of Oconomowoc; brothers-in-law, Tom Conlin of Fond du Lac and Jim Hunter of Oconomowoc; and many nieces, nephews, and "adopted" children.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, William Hunter; father, William Vassau; mother, Marion (Ronald) Moss; daughter, Mary Claire McLaughlin; son, Billy Hunter; sisters, Margaret (Robert) LaCourse and Bobbie Conlin; step-sisters, Lois (George) Goeman, Janet (William) Heckman, Carol (Eugene) Donahue; and step-brothers, Larry Moss, Richard Moss.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 4 at 12 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church, the Very Rev. Joel Sember and Rev. Charles Hoffmann will concelebrate. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery on Monday, November 6 at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the church in Hoffmann Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Antigo Community Food Pantry and St. John Catholic Church.
The family would like to thank their mother's walking friend, Sandy Waltzer, and church companion, Deana Shestak, for the kindness and friendship they shared with Mary.
For those who cannot attend, Mary's funeral Mass can be viewed live on YouTube.com at Antigo Area Catholic Churches https://www.youtube.com/@AntigoAreaCatholicChurches
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary R. Hunter, please visit our Tribute Store
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
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Antigo, WI, United States 54409
Ma Hunter. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and letting me be part of your family. You will always be in my heart. Love, Amy
Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Mary R. Hunter by Amy Galarowicz.
With love, John and Chris
Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Mary R. Hunter by Chris Schimmels Spute and John Schimmels. 
A tree was also planted in memory of Mary R. Hunter
Sherri, Terri, Jerry, Tom and Will! Your mom was fiesty and a force to be reckoned with, but she had a heart of gold! She was one of the strongest woman I know and I admired her greatly! You are all a reflection of her and that's a wonderful thing! Thank you for the Thanksgiving and Christmas parties and all the times in between! I love you guys!♥️
Heaven gained an angel! Give em hell Aunt Mary!! Hope you all are sitting around the card table playing pass the card. Hugs to all of them please!! XOMemorial Tree was purchased for the family of Mary R. Hunter by Jenny Artz & Dale Draper.
To Terri and Sherri and families,
Just wanted to send a word of support at the loss of your mom. Growing up, I always thought Mary was the picture of what a mom should be. Know she faced some challenges, especially after the loss of your dad. Loved your reference to the "Candy Lady" at Hunters. Christmas was my favorite time of year, largely because I could get some chocolate stars at the candy counter at Hunters. No matter how old we grow, our mom will always be our mom and will hold a place no one else can fill. Prayers and Love to you all.
John Mayo
Sherry so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers
Many times our families got together but mostly at the Jordan’s at Christmas what fond memories so sorry for your loss prayers for all
What a beautiful soul. I am so sorry for your loss, Sherri and Terri. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Good neighbor and friend! God bless her soul. Our sympathy Terry and Sherry. Hugs, Sis and Jerry Igl
So sorry for your loss,she will be missed and I enjoyed working with her…
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