Lillian "Lela" Jodick Hunnewell

Lillian “Lela” Hunnewell passed away on September 22, 2025. She was three days shy of celebrating her 101st birthday. Lela was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 25, 1924 to Louis and Emily (Reis) Jodick. She was raised in Detroit, attended Detroit Business School, and was employed by The Chrysler Corporation Arsenal Tank Division. In 1946, Lela moved to New York City, where she began her professional life. She also met the man to whom she would be married for almost 64 years. Stanley Prescott Hunnewell, Jr. and Lillian Irene Jodick were married on January 11, 1947 in snowy Detroit, Michigan.

Together they even cleared the mounds of snow off the steps of the church before they walked down the aisle. Lela and Stan began their married life together in Hartford, CT then moved to White Plains, NY.

In 1954, they purchased their first house in Scarsdale, NY, started their family, and moved around the corner into their new home in 1963. Lela lived in Scarsdale until 2024 and then Harrison, NY.

Lela loved games - she played basketball, pinochle, bridge, spades, yahtzee, “Wheel of Fortune”, and “The Price is Right”. Lela and Stan loved dancing to the Big Bands music. They were quite the talented dancing duo. Lela also listened to the cool radio stations while driving with her kids in the car! Lela welcomed everyone into her home with a smile and a hug. She was the neighborhood

mom, and truly, loved by all. Lela was selfless and so thoughtful,

Lela was a member of The Scarsdale Women’s Club (Pottery Section) for several decades, and enjoyed entertaining: New Year’s Eve parties, Bridge games (with snacks and beverages), Luncheons, Birthday Parties, and Thanksgiving, any given Friday afternoon. Her favorite event to host was Christmas on White Road: stockings, breakfast, and gifts for the entire family.

Lela is survived by her loving family: three children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Her children and their spouses, Ken and Vanessa Hunnewell of Sophia, NC, Linda and Joseph Ricci of Harrison, NY, Don and Kyra Hunnewell of New York City, and her daughter-in-law, Jayne Hunnewell of Eastchester, NY. Grandchildren Angela and Zac Craven of Archdale, NC, Dan and Mishan Hunnewell of Tarrytown, NY, Dayna and Danny McCarthy of Eastchester, NY, Nick Hunnewell and his fiancée Jamie Mariani of Tarrytown, NY, and Skylar and Samantha Hunnewell of New York City. Great-grandchildren Robert, Jaiden, Christopher, Danny, Emma, James, Raia, and Mark.

Lela loved the Yankees and all kinds of puzzles, the lottery and scratch off tickets, there was never a challenge she didn’t take head on with an “I will beat this” attitude, she liked watching the squirrels and birds from the picture window, her glass of wine, snacks, and of course, her nightly ice cream cone.

Most of all, Lela loved life and her family and they loved her right back.