Jean Irvine Armour Hunt passed away peacefully on July 8 in Satellite Beach, Fla. She was born on Feb. 12, 1916 in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Norman and Edna Armour. Her childhood was vibrant and happy, growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Chicago, Ill., Los Angeles and Mill Valley, Cal.
As a young woman, Jean excelled at archery, horseback riding, tennis and sailing. Her love of the outdoors was inspired by her Scots-Australian father, Norman Armour, and like her mother Edna, she was full of life and loved conversation and company.
On Feb. 10, 1939, she married Enoch W. Hunt II, a graduate of Bowdoin College and Harvard University. They settled in Boca Raton, Fla. following WWII. Jean was an active participant in the community through the Garden Club, Art Guild, and the Chairman of Decor for the Fiesta de Boca Raton and The Golden Palms Festival in W. Palm Beach.
Jean worked as a professional artist for 50 years, still painting at the age of 90. Her original bold florals evolved into a more impressionistic style, most often of New England harbors, or children in gardens. Full of color and joy, her artwork has been shown in galleries in New York, Palm Beach, and more recently Vero Beach, Fla.
In 1974 Jean and her husband moved to the Boothbay/Damariscotta region. Always dedicated to her Scots heritage, Jean founded the St. Andrew’s Society of Maine, and was instrumental in organizing the society’s first Highland Games on Aug. 20, 1979 in Newcastle. She labored diligently for the society, serving on the Scholarship Committee, Publicity Committee and as editor of the newsletter, and Membership Secretary. She also served with the Buchanan Society and Clan Irwyne, making eight trips to Scotland to continue her research, she loved to regale family and anyone interested with Scots history and lore.
Jean was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Col. Enoch W. Hunt II.
She is survived by a daughter, Lisa Gregware and husband Paul; son, Enoch W. Hunt III and wife Linda, with whom she resided in her final months; grandchildren, Arianne McCool and husband Jeff, and Ian Schubert; great-grandson, Camden McCool; brothers, Norman Armour, Alan Armour and wife Barbara; sister, Edna Warren; and many nieces and nephews, and friends.
Private graveside ceremony Sat., Aug. 1 at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland, followed by an informal reception at 2 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Lisa Gregware at 377 Mill Rd., Edgecomb. We invite family and friends to join us as we celebrate Jean’s wonderful life.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to William Childs Hospice House, 1425 Malabar Rd., Palm Bay, FL 32907.
