Eula Mae (Abbott) Hunt

Hunt, Eula Mae – May 21, 1921 - March 3, 2020

Eula was born in Dorchester, Ontario in 1921 to Emerson and Theresa Abbott.  She was their only child and spent her early years at the Dorchester Union Cheese Factory which her dad owned.  Her beloved father drowned while attempting to save Eula’s life when she was 16.  After this tragic event, she devoted her life to helping her mother and focused on school.  She excelled academically and found her passion, which was music, a passion that was to be with her the rest of her life.  She also loved her Pomeranian dogs.

She married Lewis in 1946 and had two sons, Emerson (1949) and Jim (1952)   She was pre-deceased by a daughter, Judith (1951).  Later she and Lew formed life-long close friendships with the people we would all come to  know as extended family.... the Demarays, McCartneys, Baigents, Walpers, & Richmonds.  She eventually became an organist and pianist and choir mistress at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church.... a position she held for many years.

Eula’s circle of close friends grew as she was actively involved with the community and church.  She and Lew travelled to Hawaii, England and Scotland , and visited many other places all over North America on road trips with their friends .

She expressed her creativity in many ways.  She was the consummate hostess, and many friends can recount amazing meals prepared by Eula and evenings full of fun and good fellowship at Eula and Lew’s home in Thamesford.

Later in life, Eula began a successful ceramic studio.  The business, that began in the basement of her home, eventually expanded when a larger space was rented in London Ontario.

An elegant lady, she loved fashion and jewelry and was always immaculately dressed.  She was welcoming and approachable and had a knack for making people feel at ease.  She had an amazing sense of humor and could be counted on for comments delivered with a wink. Fiercely independent, loyal and nurturing, she made many lifelong friends and was beloved in her family.

Eula suffered a debilitating stroke over 10 years ago, and has spent her remaining years at Woodingford Lodge in Ingersoll.  She has maintained a close circle of friends over those years since her stroke and actively participated in the monthly dinners at Elmhurst.  She liked to do cross-word puzzles and was a voracious reader.  She remained active in the life of St. Paul’s and could often be seen driving her wheelchair back and forth from Woodingford to attend services and events, even in inclement weather.

It should be mentioned that Eula loved cheese, especially aged cheddar.  Eula never met a piece of old cheddar she didn’t love.  We fear that Cabot and Tillamook cheese stock prices will take a nose-dive now that she is gone. Until her death her son imported cheese from Michigan regularly.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said,” The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.

The things Eula did, and the love she gave us , will outlive her mortality.  Her kindness and grace will stand like a monument, not of stone, but made of memories.... pure, sweet and ever there to guide us.

Eula was predeceased by Lewis in 1995.  Eula is survived by sons Emerson (Darlene) of North Bay, ON, Jim (Vicki) of Clinton Township, MI, grandsons Adam (Toronto), David (Erika) of Montreal, Joshua (Mimi), and Ian (Sarah) both of Warren, MI.  Eula has one great-grandchild, Annabelle.  She is lovingly remembered by special friend Maureen Nicholson and her birthday club members.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Woodingford Lodge for her excellent care, and to Doctor Lori Bruce who was more than just her doctor.

Visitation will be at the Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 177 Dundas Street West, Thamesford, ON on March 11, from 2 – 4 pm & 6 – 8 pm.  Funeral services will take place at St. Pauls’ Presbyterian Church, 56 Thames Street, Ingersoll, on March 12, at 11 am, followed by internment at Dorchester Union Cemetery.  Donations may be made to St. Paul’s Memorial fund.