Obituary for Aleyse Hayla Hunteman - Southwest Graduate 2011

Obituary for Aleyse Hayla Hunteman

Aleyse Hayla Hunteman was born on December 9, 1992 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Belview, Minnesota on February 14, 1993.

At a young age Aleyse attended Wee Care Daycare where she met some of her best friends. She attended Hale Elementary and Field Middle School and graduated from eighth grade in 2007. Aleyse wanted to stay with her core group of friends from school and basketball so she decided to attend Minneapolis Southwest High School. By her freshman year she lettered in both softball and basketball. She was a beast. She graduated from Southwest High School in 2011, and went on to attend Minnesota State University, Mankato and Rasmussen College School of Nursing.

Throughout her college career, Aleyse worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at LifeSprk Home Healthcare and Walker Methodist Care Facility. Aleyse was dedicated to and passionate about memory care for seniors. She served numerous seniors at the convenience of their own home, work shifts ranging from 8 to 16 hour shifts. She even spent her days helping her best friend’s grandpa that was diagnosed with kidney failure. Aleyse was a phenomenal caregiver and cared for the well being of others.

Aleyse had a deep love for the game of basketball, photography, adventure, cruising and traveling with her mom, music festivals, concerts, Jordans, and spending time with family, friends and dogs! She watched ESPN religiously and always cheered on her home teams including the Vikings, T-Wolves, and the Lynx. Aleyse had some game herself. She played all of the sports growing up including soccer, softball, and of course her favorite, basketball. She played basketball competitively for almost fifteen years where she met and continued to play with some of her best friends that she also called her family.

She had countless friends and family that surrounded her with endless love and joy. Her friendships and relationships with her family was something she always cherished and was thankful for. We can’t forget to mention her pride and joy, Hunter Houdini Hunteman, her beloved beagle and friend…. who never failed to have an accident on one of her friends. Aleyse loved making people laugh, especially at themselves. But most importantly, she encouraged people to be the best they could be by supporting their goals and dreams.

Her smile was contagious and her laughter brought joy to many in her life. She was fearless and unapologetic, making her the “It Girl” at schools and where ever she went in the world. She was someone you wanted to become friends with. Her swag was original, sometimes confusing but she always stayed true to herself. She was a trendsetter that everyone respected. Only she could wear a head band in the middle of her forehead, knee high underarmour socks and a colorful pair of customized Jordan’s, that of course had her last name and jersey number imprinted.

Aleyse was strong-minded and passionate about the rights of others especially Women’s rights. With the guidance of her intelligent and strong mother, she became a vocal advocate for Planned Parenthood. She believed deeply in the power of sisterhood. She would gather her friends and family to protest and stand up for the rights of women. Aleyse always stood up for those who could not defend themselves in hopes of equality, peace, and wellness.

Unfortunately, Aleyse was battling with her own inner peace for quite some time. Her pain stemmed from tragedies including assault and addiction. She was a fighter, and made a way to help others fighting their own battles. Aleyse wants everyone to know that it is never too late to help someone in need. ……And to never live with the fear of asking for help.

Aleyse’s memory is carried on by her mother Teresa Hunteman, father Hayes Gregory, sister Jazmine Gregory, grandmother Amy Werner, grandfather Dr. Hallie (Nydia) Gregory, aunts and uncles: Debbie (Terry) Zimmer, Scott (Barb Maruska) Werner, Tim (Kelly) Werner, Paula Haywood, Holly (Darrel) McDonald, cousins: Rachel, Whitney, Alex, DeShaun, DaLeesa, Dante’, Stephanie, Jake, and Zach, the Southside basketball family, Hale & Field community, Southwest High School friends, Mankato community, and Wee Care Daycare.