Sara McKenzie Hunter of Arlington, died at 90 on June 15 at Winchester Hospital of complications from heart failure. Born in Laurinburg, NC in 1925 to Murphy Grady and Mitt McKenzie, Sara grew up on their tobacco farm. She was a graduate of Orrum High School, and East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. A long-time home economics teacher and community volunteer, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Rev. Richard Dowling Hunter.

Sara’s joy in life was service to others. With Rev. Hunter, she served churches in Michigan, Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts during their lifelong ministry. She was the first woman elected to the School Board for the Ravena Coeymans Selkirk Central School District in NY where she served for many years, and was President of the New York State UCC Women’s Fellowship. She was an active member of the Park Avenue United Church of Christ in Arlington, MA since 2007.

She is survived by her three daughters: Anne and Rebecca of Cambridge, MA and Elizabeth of Somerville, MA, and their spouses: George Young, Neil Marsh and Jason Merrill; and her beloved granddaughter Alice. She is also survived by her brother, M.G. McKenzie, Jr. of Lumberton, NC; her nieces Barbara McKenzie Tervo of Wilmington, NC and Julie McKenzie Jones of Greenville, NC; and their children Ashley, Benton and Caroline.

A celebration of Sara’s life will be held Saturday, June 18 at 2 pm at the Park Avenue Congregational Church, 50 Paul Revere Rd, Arlington, MA with a collation following at the church. The Saville Chapel of DeVito Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Visit devitofuneralhomes.com to send an online condolence.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Park Avenue Congregational Church in Arlington.