Patrice Hunter

Age 89, a resident of Albuquerque, died Friday, May 17, 2013. She is survived by her son, John D. Hunter; by four step-children, Norman F. Hunter Jr, James S. Hunter, Alice M. LaCelle, and Joseph A. Hunter; six grandchildren; one great grandson; two nephews, and a niece. Patrice was preceded in death by her husband, Norman F. Hunter Sr; her parents, William and Roxie Dawson; and her sister, Jene Caldwell. Patrice was born in the small Louisiana town of Belcher and spent much of her adult life in Shreveport, La. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Shreveport, where she and Norman were married. Patrice was literally a born musician and she played the piano "by ear" as a toddler. At the age of five, Patrice, her mother, and her three-year-old sister Jene performed as a musical trio, on various instruments, for parties and entertainments. In later years they were performers in the Shreveport symphony, with Patrice on the piano, her mother on the violin, and sister Jene on the bassoon. Patrice graduated from college at La. Tech in music and went on to have a career as a performer and a piano teacher. Her musical legacy lives on in her beloved student and niece Claudia Brown, who has played advanced piano since childhood, and also in Patrice's son John, who played various instruments, particularly drums. Patrice was socially active in Shreveport, and enjoyed playing very spirited games of bridge and entertaining guests in her home. She was also a member of the Shreveport Junior League. She enjoyed cooking for family and guests, though she would become so immersed in the process that dinner was frequently very late. Art was one of her interests as well, and she liked to sketch and occasionally paint, though, as a perfectionist, she was rarely satisfied with her work. Her last years were spent at Casa Palo Duro, a small assisted living home, where she enjoyed a very affectionate relationship with the staff, and where she relished each day, greeting everyone, smiling, laughing, and playing bingo and other games. Visitation will be held at FRENCH - Lomas on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Committal services will be held Thursday, May 23, 2013, 1:30 pm at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St. Interment will follow. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Please visit our online guestbook for Patrice at - Lomas10500 Lomas Blvd. NE505-275-3500