Cunningham, Agnes

Sister Agnes Cunningham, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on May 7, 2016 in Siena Hall, Sparkill, NY. Born in Brooklyn, NY on May 28, 1927, Agnes Marie was the daughter of James and Edith Thompson Cunningham. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1946 and received the name Sister James Edith. She professed her first vows in 1948 and her final vows in 1953. Sister Agnes earned a BA in English, Manhattan College,1954 and a MS in Biology, Catholic University,1967. Sister Agnes was a teacher in elementary and secondary education. She ministered in the Archdiocese of NY, and the dioceses of Brooklyn, Syracuse and Rockville Center. She taught at St. Theresa, Woodside, NY (1948-54); St. Mary, Fulton, NY (1954-55); Cathedral HS, New York, NY (1955-63); Albertus Magnus HS, Bardonia, NY (1963-68 & 1980-97); and Holy Trinity HS, Hicksville, NY (1968-80). In 1997 Sr. Agnes served as the Director of Development at Albertus Magnus HS until her retirement in 2007. For countless summers Sr. Agnes served as Administrator at Villa St. Joseph, Saugerties, NY where the Dominican Sisters vacationed. Sister Agnes is predeceased by her parents, her brother- in-law Jack Reynolds and her nephew-in-law Steve Blanshan.

She is survived by her sister Dee Reynolds, Massapequa, NY and her brother Jim (Rosemary) Cunningham, Sayville, NY. She will be missed by her nieces and nephews, Jeanne Blanshan, Merrick, NY, Clare (Al) Glenbocki, Bellmore, NY, Cathy (Bob) McKillop, Davidson, NC, Jack (Patty) Reynolds, Farmingdale, NY, Dr. Jim (Cathy) Cunningham, Stamford, CT, Jerry (Lori) Cunningham, Levittown, NY, Mary (Tom) Fay, Sayville, NY, Tom (Rita) Reynolds, Farmingdale, NY, Dan (Debbie) Cunningham, W. Islip, NY and many great nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, Sparkill, NY, on Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Visitation is on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Dominican Convent, 175 Rte. 340, Sparkill, NY. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Higgins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Dominican Sisters, at the above address, attention - Sister Mary Murray, President.

Michael J. Higgins

Funeral Service

321 South Main St.

New City, NY, 10956

845-634-6110

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News on May 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Agnes Cunningham

Sponsored by Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, Inc. - New City.

9 Entries

Betsy Crowe Bishop

August 7, 2016

Sister Agnes was a lovely, warm, loving spirit who made students feel empowered by her own faith in the grace of God. She enjoyed a good laugh--and delighted in students around her. I remember her coming to all of our theatre events--and she was one of our greatest fans. No one could ask for a more positive person for young adults. May she brighten Heaven with her laughter and smile! Betsy Crowe (Bishop) class of 1971

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

May 10, 2016

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

Tom and Irene Powell

May 10, 2016

We knew both Sister James Edith and Sister Agnes during that amazing transformational time at Holy Trinity. She was a standout professional and role model. A teacher no one forgets. We are forever grateful she was a part of our lives. May her family be sustained by many fond memories of her love. Tom and Irene (Quinn) Powell

Eileen McMaster

May 10, 2016

Sister Agnes was a very caring person & great science teacher at Albertus. She had a beautiful smile & would go out of her way to have a connection with students. Rest in peace.
Thinking of you,
Eileen Moloney McMaster
Class of 1984

Kelley McDonald

May 9, 2016

Rest in peace, Sister. Thank you for sharing your love and talents with the world. xo
Kelley (Criscione) McDonald
Class of 1987

Tom and Kim Nohilly

May 9, 2016

Sister Agnes was a wonderful soul. She was smart, funny and always loving. We will miss her great smile and big laugh. Rest in peace.

Ryan Fortes

May 9, 2016

Sister Agnes taught my Mother, Father, Aunt, Uncle, and myself at Albertus Magnus. She had a passion for knowledge and a passion for education. Sister Agnes had all the qualities of a first rate teacher, most importantly, kindness and compassion. Not only did she influence generations of students, but also educators as well. She taught us how to be better students, and better people, and my life was fuller for having known her. Thank you Sister Agnes!

Patricia Dugan

May 9, 2016

Sister James Edith was a wonderful loving and dedicated teacher. She loved and was loved by many. We know for sure she is resting in the arms of thee angels.
Patricia J Dugan Albertus Magnus Class of 1967

Tom Hallinan

May 9, 2016

Sister was a great role model to the students at Albertus Magnus. She became a great friend to me later in life and was always praying for everyone. Just a great lady who lived a true and meaningful life.

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