The Lancaster, Pennsylvania community is mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of Roxannah Hunter, a beloved English teacher at Conestoga Valley High School. Roxannah’s passing has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her, especially her family, friends, colleagues, and students. Known for her vibrant spirit, passion for teaching, and dedication to her students, Roxannah’s death is not only a loss for her family but for the entire educational community and those whose lives she touched in so many ways.
Roxannah was the daughter of the late James E. Hunter, who passed away in April 2023, and her sudden death has come as another painful blow to the Hunter family. Roxannah is survived by her mother, Sandy K. Hunter, and her brother, David Hunter, along with his fiancée, Hannah Cleckner, and their daughter, Elaina Hunter. The Hunter family has long been a cherished part of the Lancaster community, and Roxannah’s passing marks the loss of a remarkable woman who left an indelible impact on everyone around her.
As an English teacher at Conestoga Valley High School, Roxannah was deeply committed to fostering a love of literature and education in her students. She was known for her enthusiasm for the subject matter and her ability to bring books to life for her students. Her dedication went beyond the classroom; she wanted to expose her students to diverse cultures and perspectives, using literature as a lens to better understand the world. Roxannah was a teacher who didn’t just stand at the front of the room lecturing but instead engaged with her students in meaningful ways, encouraging them to think critically and explore new ideas.
In June 2015, Roxannah organized and led a memorable student trip to Ireland and the United Kingdom. The trip was an embodiment of her belief in experiential learning. Her desire to bring British literature to life in the very places where it had been written was a testament to her passion for education and her commitment to providing her students with unforgettable learning experiences. The trip was a reflection of her enthusiasm for literature and her dedication to providing students with the tools to expand their horizons.
Beyond her work as a teacher, Roxannah was also an avid reader, and her love for books extended well beyond the classroom. She was an active member of the literary community, maintaining a Goodreads profile with a collection of 212 books. This collection was a reflection of her diverse interests, and it showcased her dedication to continuous learning and her love of reading. Her students were always encouraged to share their literary interests, and Roxannah took great care in fostering a love for books in others. She was known to lend her personal books to her students and offer recommendations, always eager to help them find a book that could spark their own love for reading.
Roxannah’s passion for literature was only matched by her adventurous spirit and deep love for the outdoors. She was known for organizing hiking trips, boating excursions, and other social gatherings that brought people together. Whether it was hosting a BBQ in her backyard or organizing a hiking outing with friends, Roxannah’s presence always made the event more enjoyable. Her warmth and infectious enthusiasm were at the heart of every social gathering, and those who knew her always looked forward to spending time in her company.
In the midst of her professional and social commitments, Roxannah remained a constant source of support for her friends. One close friend shared a heartfelt tribute, saying, “My beautiful friend… I will cherish the times we shared together, but always wish we had more. From hiking trips, to boating, quaranteam bonds, BBQs and beers, and simply hugs in school, you will be missed beyond words. Forever will your spirit remain with us and your energy rejuvenate our souls. I love and miss you dearly, Roxannah.” These words reflect the deep love and admiration those who knew Roxannah felt for her.
The news of her unexpected passing has left many in shock, and the outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes has been overwhelming. Roxannah’s passing is a loss not only to her family and friends but also to the hundreds of students whose lives she shaped. Her legacy as an educator, mentor, and friend will continue to be felt long after her death. Her students remember her as someone who always took the time to listen, who cared about their well-being, and who encouraged them to be the best versions of themselves. Roxannah was a teacher who made learning meaningful, and her passion for literature inspired many of her students to pursue their own paths of learning and discovery.
Roxannah’s family has expressed deep sorrow at her passing but has also been comforted by the tremendous outpouring of support from the community. In light of her death, a memorial service is being planned to celebrate her life and the positive impact she had on those around her. The service will provide an opportunity for friends, family, colleagues, and former students to pay their respects and share memories of a woman who brought so much light to their lives. Details of the memorial service will be shared once arrangements have been finalized, and it will undoubtedly be a time of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for having known Roxannah.
The community has also come together to support Roxannah’s family during this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and provide support to her family as they navigate this immense loss. The campaign has already received contributions from many people whose lives Roxannah touched, with donors sharing their heartfelt condolences and support.
Roxannah’s passing serves as a painful reminder of how precious life is and how important it is to cherish the time we have with those we love. Her legacy will continue to live on through the many memories she created with her family, friends, and students. She was a woman who dedicated her life to helping others, sharing her love of literature, and creating meaningful connections with everyone she encountered.
As the Lancaster community mourns this tragic loss, Roxannah’s memory will continue to inspire others to lead lives of kindness, generosity, and love. Her legacy will live on in the countless students whose lives she impacted, the friends she made, and the lessons she taught. While her absence will be deeply felt, the positive mark she left on the world will continue to shine brightly for years to come.
The loss of Roxannah Stewart is a tragedy for the community, but her life will be celebrated through the memories of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her contributions to education, her passion for literature, and her love for life will never be forgotten. She will be missed dearly, but her spirit and the lessons she taught will continue to live on, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and to carry forward the work of kindness and community that she embodied.
