Born in New York in 1943, June O’Brien Hurtgen was the oldest of four children–two girls, two boys. She was proud to be an American, she was proud of her Irish roots, and she was a proud redhead. She graduated from Trinity College in Washington D.C., where she met her husband, Peter. They were married for 57 years.

She loved animals, especially dogs of the Great Pyrenees breed. She volunteered at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, helping recovering seals and sea lions. She loved Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Rolling Stones. She was obsessed with dark chocolate and mint. Her favorite dish was chicken Marsala. She preferred drinks with no ice.

She was a kind, intelligent and beautiful woman. She was known as a world-class chef, teacher, nurse, interior decorator, landscape designer, fashion consultant, hotel manager, part time policewoman, sometime drill sergeant, job counselor, health inspector, swim coach, therapist, and carpool formula one driver. But she would probably tell you that her greatest accomplishment was teaching three little boys to say please and thank you.

She is survived by her husband, Peter, two sons, Pete and Matthew (Light), and granddaughter Annabelle.