Elizabeth Christine Hunko

Elizabeth (Beth) Christine Hunko of Woodbridge, VA passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on October 18. 2025. Born in Suffern, NY to Richard and Elizabeth Elmendorf on July 6, 1951, Beth lived a life full of love, service, and adventure.

Beth is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Jim Hunko, and by her four children: BettyAnn (Chris) Mayers, Jay (Melanie) Hunko, Pamela (David) Gum, and Joel (Victoria) Hunko. She was a proud and loving grandmother to 13 grandchildren: James, Adam, Jaycob, Bradley, Emma, Caleb, Liberty, Dylan, Danny, Ryan, Luke, Madalyn, and Brayden.

She is predeceased by her parents, two sisters (Jean and Janet), and her brother (Kenneth). Beth leaves behind her cherished “Sissys,” Leslie, Kathy, and Lynn, and three brothers, Rick, David, and Steven, along with many beloved nieces and nephews with whom she played Words with Friends daily.

Beth graduated from Pearl River High School in 1969 and The Berkley School (Berkley College). She married Jim in 1973. She dedicated her professional life to children, serving at the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions, where she worked tirelessly to promote the health and well-being of children in hospitals across the country.

Beth’s unwavering support for the military was a cornerstone of her life as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to service members. With her husband, children, and grandchildren all serving in various branches of the armed forces, Beth embraced her role as a military wife with pride and purpose. She was an active member of the NCO Wives Club, where she fostered community and camaraderie among military families. Her dedication extended to playing softball and bowling on military teams and numerous other organizations that uplifted and supported troops and their loved ones. Beth’s steadfast patriotism and nurturing spirit made her a beloved figure in the military community, and her legacy of service continues through the lives she touched.

Her commitment to children extended into her personal life as well—Beth was a Sunday School teacher, Cub Scout den leader, and Girl Scout leader for her children. Her nurturing spirit and joyful energy touched countless lives.

Beth’s adventurous heart led her to live in New York, Minnesota, Guam, Massachusetts, Germany, Washington, DC, and Virginia. She also traveled to Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, the Azores, the Virgin Islands, and almost Italy, as well as many cities and states across the United States, including Alaska. She found joy in dancing, listening to oldies music, watching Westerns and game shows, spending time by the ocean and in her gardens, and being surrounded by her family.

A visitation and funeral service will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Pearl River United Methodist Church in Pearl River, NY, with burial immediately following at St. Paul Highview Cemetery in Nanuet, NY. Visitation will be from 11:00am-1:00pm with the Service starting promptly at 1:00pm.

Flowers may be sent to Pearl River United Methodist Church, 130 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10965.

Beth’s legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.