Mrs Gunn (76) recently announced she would retire from her almost 10-year stint with the choir at the end of the year.
Yesterday's annual variety concert doubled as a send-off, when she was presented with a life membership.
Mrs Gunn was invited to work with the Star Singers when the choir began in 1999, something she described yesterday as "a wonderful phone call".
She said the biggest thing she would miss about the choir, which covers a wide range of musical styles, and has a membership of about 40, was the companionship, and "what we were able to do together".
"I've thoroughly enjoyed the work we've shared together; I know I will miss it. Time is marching by. I've done 10 years and it's time for a change."
Choir president Madelene Barkman said Mrs Gunn was the drive, enthusiasm and energy that had got the choir on the road to where it was today.
"We've had lots of laughter and friendship, and we do value that very much."
Mrs Gunn, who was music teacher at Otago Girls High School from 1973 to 1997, plans to continue teaching music with the Saturday Morning Music Classes, and from home.
