Deborah K. Hunter

RUSHFORD LAKE — Deborah K. Hunter, 77, of Rushford Lake, died peacefully at home on Friday (Aug. 15, 2025) surrounded by her family.

She was born Dec. 10, 1947, in Cuba, the daughter of the late Donald and Doris Perkins Washburn. On Feb. 14, 1970, she married Robert B. Hunter, who predeceased her Nov. 17, 2002.

Raised in Cuba, Deb was a 1965 graduate of Cuba High School. She continued her education at Olean Business Institute and completed her associate’s degree from Jamestown Community College in 1987.

She was employed as a secretary for James Euken, Esq. at Feeman, Euken and Gardner in Wellsville. After Attorney Euken was elected Allegany County District Attorney, she followed him through his judgeship in the court system serving as his executive secretary, continuing for over 30 years, retiring in 2010.

With her husband, she owned and operated Nicholson Pharmacy in Belmont from 1983 until 2003.

She was a former member of the Genesee Valley Chorus, Camelot Choraleers, Belmont United Methodist Church, St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church in Belmont and was a current member of Christ Episcopal Church in Cuba.

Other activities that she enjoyed included bowling leagues, golfing, Mahjong, book clubs, knitting groups and traveling the globe. She had an unbelievable passion for the Buffalo Bills. Deb volunteered for a variety of organizations including the Belmont Library and the Rushford Lake Landowner’s Association, where she served as a director.

Surviving are two children, Kristen Hunter-Byrnes of Rochester and Mark (Sarah) Hunter of Belmont; her pride and joy, grandchildren, Emma and Aidan Byrnes, and Nolan and Finn Hunter; a sister, Donalynn Jean (John) Grafelman of Woodbury, Minn.; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves behind a longtime companion of over 20 years, William Hamilton of Rochester and Ft. Myers, Fla.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 21, 2025) at J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Belmont, 17 Schuyler St.; and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday (Aug. 22, 2025), with a memorial service following at 1 p.m. Rev. Carol Stewart will officiate. Private burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery, Belmont.

Memorials may be made to Caneadea Dam at Rushford Lake Fund at https://cattfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1038.

To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.