BOXFORD – Mrs. Terese Pia "Terri" (McGinn) Hunter, 77 of Boxford, loving wife of David Michael Hunter, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.

Born in Medford, Terri was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Duffy) McGinn. Raised and educated in Medford, she graduated from Medford High School in 1964 and later furthered her studies by taking continuing education courses.

The youngest of four siblings, Terri spent her early years surrounded by family, friends and neighbors for whom she felt great love and admiration. As her siblings began to start families of their own, she embraced the role of fun and loving Auntie Terri, forging tight bonds with her nieces and nephews that lasted through her final days.

Life wasn't always easy in her early years, and family support was paramount. It was during this time that she first developed her deep-rooted fondness for large gatherings of family and friends (the bigger the better) with everyone full of joy, worries shoved to the side. Older and with a family of her own, she would carry this tradition forward with cherished holiday gatherings and the much-loved Labor Day cookouts she and husband David hosted for many years.

Married in 1972, Terri called her husband David, "the best thing that ever happened to me." Together, they spent the early years of their marriage first in Millis, MA and then Boxford, MA creating a warm and loving home and raising their family. Her two children made sure to regularly test her patience and parenting skills, be it with shenanigans involving tall trees, bikes, suitcases, cars, soccer balls, pets, hockey pucks or with whatever "treasures" they would uncover in the nearby woods. She passed with flying colors. As her children grew and became more independent, she built a career working first as a secretary for Trinity Episcopal Church in Topsfield, and later for the Ipswich Public Schools until the time of her retirement.

A woman with a generous heart, a warm smile and a frequent, unforgettable laugh that would ring out with ease, Terri lived with a glint in her sparkling blue eyes and eagerly sought shared experiences with her loved ones. Guided by the old adage, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again," she tried, in her own words:  "To love; to be kind; to be thoughtful; to see and try to understand a different perspective; to be giving; to make someone laugh or smile at least once a day; to laugh at myself; to learn something new; to be there for family and friends; to help folks when needed; to reflect on and appreciate the gifts of each day; to simply be a better person." She undoubtedly succeeded.

Ultimately, Terri was happiest when surrounded by her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, making memories, laughing and enjoying moments of togetherness. Terri was passionate about creative writing, and gifted us with memorable pieces to remember her spirit by. She delighted in traveling with her husband, family and friends, and visited places including Prince Edward Island, Ireland, Cape Cod, Alaska and Aruba. After retiring, she enjoyed spending extra time with family and friends in New Hampshire and Florida.

In addition to her husband David, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage, Terri is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Mills and her husband, Jeffrey of Boxford; her son, David P. Hunter and his wife, Florence of Cold Spring, NY; her 6 treasured grandchildren; her sister, Patricia Gill of Wakefield; her brother, Charles McGinn and his wife, Mary of Reading; and many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Terri was predeceased by her dearly loved infant daughter, Meaghan Hunter and her sister, Sheila Ritchie.

Terri's heartfelt kindness, quick wit and humor, and her joyous spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. The many wonderful memories with her are the everlasting gifts which provide comfort as we grieve the loss of her presence on earth.

ARRANGEMENTS: At the request of the family, a private graveside service will be held for Terri with a celebration of life at a later date. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS. In lieu of flowers, donations in Terri's memory may be made to: Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, North Andover, MA; Kaplan Family Hospice House (Care Dimensions), Danvers, MA; or Community Giving Tree, Boxford, MA. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.