A tribute issued through the police said Cuney had grown up in America in a military family before moving to England.
“This move was driven by the more relaxed laws around same-sex relationships, allowing her and her family to live openly and safely,” it said.
She lived in Ecton, near Northampton, and had worked as a teacher across Essex and Northamptonshire.
She was described as a “legend” and the “funniest teacher” by her pupils.
For 10 years she had been a “devoted” member of the community choir Northants Sings Out.
“To everyone who met Letitia, she was a force to be reckoned with – an energetic, powerful presence and a genuinely kind-hearted individual,” her family said.
“She will be sorely missed as a mother, sister, daughter, teacher, colleague, and friend to many.”