NORTH TONAWANDA — Edith M. Hunter, of North Tonawanda, died on Sunday, February 3, 2013, at her daughter's home, while receiving care from Niagara Hospice. She was born December 24, 1916 in North Tonawanda, NY, the daughter of Peter and Ada (Miller) Harber and was graduated from North Tonawanda High School.

Mrs. Hunter was one of the original founders of the Niagara Chapter of the ARC (1955), which is currently known as Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara serving over 800 individuals with developmental disabilities. She was the recipient of the 2005 New York State "Women of Distinction" award and presented with the honor by Senator George Maziarz during the organization's 50th Anniversary. The Senate's "Women of Distinction" program was created in 1998 to honor New York women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers.  She was previously a member of the ladies auxiliaries at Frontier and Live Hose Volunteer companies, CP Recreation Group and the Bishop Gibbons social activity club.

Mrs. Hunter was predeceased by her husband, Robert L. Hunter, in 1997; and her daughter,  Patricia Hunter in 2008. Survivors include two children, Robert Hunter (Corliss) of Skaneateles, NY and Merry Hedges (late Scott D. 2009) of North Tonawanda; grandchildren, Tammy (Rick) Siuta of Niagara Falls; David Hunter of Columbus, OH and Steven Hunter of Baltimore, MD; and great-grandchildren, Ryan, Jimi, Jared and Trent Siuta. She was predeceased by siblings, Martin, John, Edward Harber; Anna (Schultz) Crozier, Alice Palmer, Margaret (Kagelmacher) Nugent and Martha Harber.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4-7 PM in the LANE FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 8622 Buffalo Avenue, where funeral services will follow the visitation at 7 PM. The interment will be private in Acacia Park Cemetery, Pendleton, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara or Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094. A  special thank you to Hospice Home Care team, Shannon, Rose, Mark and Larry and all the staff at Hospice House, Ashley of Home Helpers and Dr. A. Singh for the extraordinary and the supportive care to our mother and family.

Visit www.lanefuneralhome.com.