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Supplied by Debra’s father, Merv Huxford.
Friends and family gathered together on July 8 to farewell Debra Hunt, who passed away at home, aged 39, under the care of Hibiscus Hospice on June 26.
A writer, photographer and community volunteer, Debra lived her entire life in Ōrewa attending Kingsway School and Ōrewa College where she completed her Duke of Edinburgh award, and was a member of Meridian (Choir) and Deputy Head Prefect.
From a young age, Debra began demonstrating her selfless service for others. In 2010, she received the highest award a Rotary Club can make, a Paul Harris Fellowship for local and International community service.
She also volunteered with Starship Hospital, Camp Quality, Youth Children’s Ministries and became a founding Trustee of Hockey Hibiscus Trust.
It was Debra’s nature to always put others first, and this was well illustrated in recent years when she took over the management and leadership of the free Community Christmas lunch in 2019. In 2024, Debra engaged one of her sons, Sean and niece, Kayla Huxford, perhaps as part of a succession plan,
Following an experience with a close friend, Debra then became a volunteer photographer for Heartfelt New Zealand.
A few months ago Debra set up a Give a Little page for families struggling with serious dental requirements for children https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/menemene-helpers
Debra touched the lives of many, and more than 518 attended her the funeral, with another 1100 watching via live stream from Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and numerous other places.
Debra is survived by her husband Brodie Hunt, sons Sean and George and daughter Laura and a family network of 25 in Ōrewa, including her father Merv Huxford and mother Cathy McConnell.
