Judith Anne Hunter, 69, a lifelong resident of Branford, passed away on March 29 in her South Carolina home and ranch. Judith was the daughter of the late Louie and Helen Nemeth, and sister to the late Louis G. Nemeth. She is survived by her brother Brian Nemeth and his wife Michelle, along with her sister Kathleen Nemeth. She is also survived by her nieces Vanessa Wildman and Alison Rousch, and nephew Jonathon Nemeth.
Judith was born in Lorain, Ohio, on Dec. 17. In her junior year, her family moved to Clearwater, Florida, where she would graduate from Clearwater High School and St. Petersburg Junior College. After she moved to Branford to complete her master’s degree in special education at the University of Connecticut. She spent her adult life teaching within the West Haven School District. Judith led and nurtured young people with special needs toward a fulfilling life. Her greatest passion and joy in life was the equestrian lifestyle; she was an outstanding rider, loved to play polo, and dressage. She owned several horses in her lifetime, but the last horse owned was a winning thoroughbred by the name of Copelan who stood by her side for many years. After she retired from her teaching career, Judith sought a warmer climate and enough land for her horse to run freely. She settled in the town of Nesmith, South Carolina, where she enjoyed the beautiful landscape, quietness, and tranquility of a small town.
Judith battled cancer that she fought with her incredible strength, positivity, and grace for a year. Unfortunately, it took her wonderful life at an early age; her time with us was nothing short of meaningful to everyone around her. Judith will be missed by all who knew her. She was an extraordinarily unique daughter, sister, aunt, and member of the community who enriched the lives of everyone she met along the way with her charm and personality. She took great pride in giving back to many wonderful charitable organizations, but her dedication to the research to end breast cancer was represented by her involvement in the Susan G. Komen New England “Ride for the Cure.” Judith faithfully participated annually for 12 years, rain, snow, or shine. She raised a substantial amount of money through sponsorship, along with her own personal donations, that was put to great use in specifically helping the New England chapter.
Friends and relatives are invited to a memorial ceremony on April 28 at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, at 244 N. Main St., Branford, where her wonderful life will be remembered, honored, and celebrated.
We would like to carry on her personal passion to end breast cancer by asking that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Susan G. Komen New England Chapter, 76 Batterson Park Rd., Farmington, CT 06032, or at komennewengland.org. For directions and an online memorial, see www.wsclancy.com.
