Carolyn June McElfresh Kuter, 96, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, after a short illness. June was the daughter of Maurice McElfresh and Katharine (ne Davenport), born October 13, 1929, in Olean, NY. In addition to her parents and 10 siblings, she was predeceased by her husbands: Joseph S. Kuter Jr. (m. 1985 - 2024) and William L. Harcourt Jr. (m. 1954 -1972). June is survived by her brother, John Kemp; 3 children: Kerry Ruff-Harcourt (Jody), Kevin Harcourt (Karyl), and Colleen H. Sheahen; grandchildren: Lauren Danloe (John), Daniel Harcourt (Stephanie), McCallister Ruff-Harcourt, Abigail Sheahen, Torin Sheahen; 3 great grandchildren: Lilly and Aspen Danloe, and Elianna Ruff-Harcourt; her niece, Susanne Maffei (Al Lockwood); brother in law, Jerry Kuter (Joan); and many Kuter nieces and nephews and their families; as well as many nieces and nephews scattered across the country.

June graduated SUNY Geneseo college with a degree in elementary education. She married her first husband in 1954 and travelled to Denver, CO for Bill's military duties and then settled in East Syracuse, NY to raise their 3 children, eventually as a single mom in 1972. She started her teaching career subbing in local school districts, opened an in-home preschool, the Peter Pan Playschool, while her children reached school age and then spent 17 years at the Chittenango Central School District as a kindergarten and first grade teacher. She loved teaching and brought many experiential activities that made her classroom fun. After retiring, her love of teaching continued as a Literacy Volunteer. June met and married her second husband, Joseph, who became her love and lifelong companion. They retired to Keowee Lake, SC for 30 years and lived an active lifestyle. June became an accomplished quilter winning awards at several quilt shows. She was known by her large extended family as being generous and thoughtful with gifts of quilts, knitted, or sewn items as soon as a new baby was born and continued to give them through the years.

June and Joe returned to NY in 2022 to be near family and live out their twilight years at Baywinde Senior Living Community where they made friends and were involved in many activities.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm with a memorial service immediately following calling hours at 12pm at Murphy Funeral & Cremation Chapel, 1961 Ridge Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with a Celebration of Life Luncheon following immediately at St. Mary's of the Lake Church at 5823 Walworth Road, Ontario, NY 14519.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Rochester Literacy, the American Red Cross, or the Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity.

To leave the family an online condolence or memory, please visit June’s guestbook at www.murphyfuneralservices.com.