Rosemary Frances Hunter

Rosemary (Mary) Francis Aigner Hunter, 96, passed away Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Waco, Texas.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Waco Memorial Park in Robinson, Texas.

Mary was born in Waco, Texas, and lived a long and happy 96 years in Waco. She was born into a farming and ranching family, and she always referred to herself as “One Tough Texan.” As a child, she attended Sanger Avenue Elementary, North Junior High, and graduated from Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.

She belonged to the Greatest Generation, having endured the trials of the Great Depression and World War II. On August 25, 1944, she married a dashing and handsome U.S. Army Air Corps Pilot, Lt. Joe Burnace Hunter, and the very next day, he left his bride for combat in Europe. After the war, they started their family, and she soon became a mother to their three sons. She loved sports and was known to play hind-catcher for the boys’ team or ski across Old Lake Waco on one ski without falling. Mary had a wealth of friends, and together, they formed the Republican Women’s Club of McLennan County from her living room. Politics was her true hobby, leading her to attend multiple Republican Conventions, and she was lucky enough to sit and engage in conversations with notable figures like Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush. Among her many achievements, she was also a master Bridge player. Mary and Joe were founding members of St. Alban’s Church in Waco, Texas. However, her proudest achievements were her sons and grandchildren. Throughout her long and fruitful life, Mary remained ever joyful and supportive, leaving a legacy of kindness and generosity.

Mary was proceeded in death by her husband, Joe Burnace Hunter; mother, Theresa Milady Aigner; father, Charles Henry Aigner; sons, Baby Hunter and Jeffrey Allen Hunter; grandson, Robert Aigner Hunter; former daughter-in-law, Mary Hyden Hunter; and former grandson-in-law, Adam Blake Therrell, Sr.

She is survived by her son, Joe Aigner Hunter and wife, Grace; granddaughter, Julia Barclay Hunter Therrell and fiancé, Mark Brantley; grandson, George Bender Hunter, Sr. and wife, Arundel; and her great-grandchildren, Caroline Elizabeth Therrell, Adam Blake Therrell, Jr., George Bender Hunter, Jr., and Eleanor Blythe Hunter. Mary is also survived by many cousins and close friends.

Memorials may be made to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 305 N 30th St., Waco, TX 76710 or to McLennan County Republican Women PAC, P. O. Box 7291, Waco, TX 76710.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on Mary’s “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.