Leora Virginia Hunt

Leora Hunt (Lee) passed away on 1/17/2026, in the comfort of her own home, at 102 years old. Leora was born on 2/27/1923, to Joel and Laura Call. After graduating from Hornell High School, she attended Secretarial School. She worked at Simpson and Morton Law offices, before marrying Eugene Hunt in June 1948. She helped out at Hunt's Clothing Store until it closed. Eugene and Leora then established Hunt's Antique Shop. Following Eugene's death, Leora continued to operate the antique shop and was a dealer at various antique shows in the Hornell area for several years.

Leora was a lifetime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, until it closed in April 2006. She was very active in all church activities at St. Paul's and served on the Church Council and the Women's Guild. She then became a member of the Christ Episcopal Church. Leora was very active in the Hornell Community. She was a Camp Fire Girls leader and served on the Hornell Area Arts Council for many years. She participated in several activities, including Hornell Garden Club, Fortnightly of Hornell, a Wednesday lunch group and a local book club. Leora dedicated much of her time to gardening. She created and maintained multiple flower gardens surrounding her home. She often headed outside to work in her gardens at the break of day. Leora was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crafts. She was particularly skilled at various types of needle work and completed many beautiful works of art (framed pictures, decorative pillows, linens, etc.). She was a skilled seamstress, making many of her own clothes and household items. For many years, Leora spent much time with her daughter Debbie's family exploring the Ithaca area.

Leora is survived by her son, Bill Hunt and her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Pat Norton. She is survived by grandchildren Jennifer Hunt (Victor), Russ Conjerti (Jennifer), Christopher Concerti, and Katie Twigg (Dana). She is also survived by great grandchildren Anna Conjerti, Tyler Hunt, Kylee and Aubree Glasspoole, Angelo Concerti, Wesley, Calum and Hadley Twigg. She was predeceased by her son Brian Hunt, daughter Diane Phillips and grandsons William Hunt and Merritt Norton.

Lee will be missed by many devoted friends (including: Rose, Sue J., Suzie, Fred and Mindy). She will be particularly missed by Ruth, who took excellent care of her over the past couple of years. Over the past several months, Leora was also cared for by Teasha and staff from the Tender Loving Care Agency (Kim S., Heather, Heidi, Sarah and Kim H.). Everyone involved in Leora's care over the years has commented on what a pleasure she was to care for and what an inspiration she was to them. Lee's friends have consistently described her as very thoughtful, caring, generous, funny and highly appreciative.

Donations in Leora's honor can be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. A service will take place on February 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM, at Bender-Brown and Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo St, Hornell, NY.