Gladys S. Hunter

Gladys S. (Starzynski) Hunter, 98, of Gardner, died peacefully Sunday, May 1, 2022, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, after a short illness.

Born in Gardner on April 16, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Antoni and Stanislawa (Kowlzan) Starzynski. She graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1942 and graduated from Becker Business School with the Class of 1943. Gladys along with her husband Hugh were the owners and operators of Hunter Farm of Gardner for many years. Her family owned and operated the Starzynski’s Bakery in Gardner for several decades.  

Gladys was a parishioner of the former St. Joseph’s Church of Gardner, where she was a member of its Holy Rosary Sodality. She was a member of the Gardner Women’s Club, a charter member of the Polish American Social League, a member of the Gardner Chapter of AARP, and the Gardner Golden. Gladys enjoyed scrapbooking, cooking, traveling, and skiing. She loved spending time in her yard where she kept the most pristine flowers. She was extremely proud of her Polish heritage. Gladys’ greatest joy was found when she was with her family and friends, always treasuring the special moments they had together.  

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Victoria Kazinskas and her husband John of Gardner; four sons, Michael J. Hunter and his wife Amy of Sudbury, John A. Hunter and his wife Rose of Petaluma, CA, W. Antoni Hunter and his wife Sharon of Gardner, and Frank Z. Hunter and his wife Lisa of Marietta, GA; thirteen grandchildren, Stacey Kazinskas and her husband Josh Vautour, Lizzy Kazinskas, Laura Bernard and her husband Corey, David Hunter, Alex Kamages and his wife Sherry, Hugh W. Hunter, II and his wife Catlin and Peter Hunter, Bonnie Hammett and her husband Sean, Jennifer Pilotte ,and Cerissa Tomasetti and her husband Kevin, Katie, Jack and Dan Hunter; eleven great-grandchildren, Auggie, Hunter, Amelia, Chloe, Mattea, Beaux, Paxton, Bradley, Jacob, Joey and Arianna; many special nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Hugh W. Hunter, who died in 2006; and three brothers Victor, Zigmont and Anthony Starzynski.

The family would like to thank the dozen wonderful and loving caregivers who made it possible for Gladys to live comfortably at the Farm, where she was happy to be until her death.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 12, 2022, with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Holy Spirit Chapel, 50 Lovewell Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

Calling Hours will be private.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Gardner Music Boosters, c/o Gardner High School, 200 Catherine Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Gladys S. Hunter.