Joanne Garcia Hunter

Joanne Garcia Hunter aged 84, died peacefully on September 16, 2017 at Halifax Health Hospice in Port Orange, FL.  Joanne was born March 29, 1933, in Jacksonville, FL, to the late Joseph Denato Garcia of Spain and Alice Louise Thompson of Sanford, FL.

Joanne was an avid golfer, swimmer, yacht mate and sports fan, especially of tennis and golf, never missing the major tournaments. She loved reading, crossword puzzles, bridge and taking care of her husband and family. Joanne graduated from DeLand High School in 1950, where she played basketball and was a cheerleader. She graduated from Alachua School of Nursing as a RN in 1954.  She worked as an RN at Bert Fish Memorial Hospital and Home Health Services, DeLand, FL.

In 1953, Joanne married the love of her life, Retired USMC Lt. Colonel Earl R. Hunter. They were married for 64 years and embarked on the most incredible journey of service to country, GOD and family.  They retired to DeLand, FL in 1975, where they opened Virginia's Travel Agency with Virginia Hunter. They continued to travel and began a love affair with the sea. Together, Joanne and Earl became avid yacht-mates, joining Lake Beresford Yacht Club, where Earl became Commodore and Joanne, President of Ladies Auxiliary. Later moving to New Smyrna Beach and joining Smyrna Yacht Club, where they further their love for traveling by sea.  In 1992, they retired their sea legs to take up golf in Port Orange, FL. 

Joanne is survived by her husband, Earl Hunter; son, Craig Hunter; daughter, Caren Hunter; step-granddaughter Suphisara Hunter; great-granddaughter, Jenafer Hunter; nephew, Glen Hunter and his wife, Caroline; niece, Carmen Schultz and her husband, Tom; nephews, Greg and David Garcia; several great-nieces, nephews and close friends.

Upon request of the family, there will be no memorial service. The family would like to thank the loving staff of Halifax Hospice for their care and kindness during her palliative care and transition. Memorial  donations can be sent in her name to Halifax Health-Hospice, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.

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