Marguerite Cunningham

1934 - 2016

Marguerite Cunningham

Virginia Beach - Wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, godmother, aunt, devout Roman Catholic of proud Sicilian heritage, and friend. Our "little Italian yankee southern belle," who was always laughing, always eclectic, fashionable, and a lover of life. Our beloved has been taken from us.

Born in New York City, on February 21, 1934, transplanted to Tidewater, and died in Virginia Beach, on August 21, 2016.

She is survived by her devoted husband and childhood sweetheart for over 65 years, Edward Earl Cunningham; their children, Dr. Deborah Cunningham Breede and her husband, Lenny; Edward Earl Cunningham, Jr. and his wife, Tammy; John Thomas Cunningham and his wife, Kathy. Cherished by her grandchildren, Edward Earl Cunningham, III, and his fiancée, Jessica Sevin; Brandon John Cunningham; Tyler Thomas Cunningham; and Kristen Yocum; she is also mourned by her sister, Joan Ferlauto Pape and her husband, Brian.

Marguerite, or "Megs" as most everyone knew her, was predeceased by her parents, Thomas Anthony Ferlauto and Melina Daraio Ferlauto; her parents in law, John Drummond Cunningham and Nell Cotton Cunningham, and a large extended family.

Megs had too many gifts, talents, and extraordinary qualities to mention here, but many of them revolved around her commitment to friends and family; her delightful sense of adventure; her ability to make every person who came into her life feel as though they were her best friend; and her pride in all things she loved, most especially the life and home that she created with and for her adored Ed. She was a lauded hostess; a voracious reader; a singer, dancer, and fashionista; and a film buff and fierce trivia opponent. Her time on this earth was marked by a committed service to others, excitement at every turn, and an unwavering sense of faith. She was our hero, our compass, and our life.

Her last years were difficult, and made more bearable and comforting by the presence of people Megs could never thank in words but did so every day in spirit: the incredible, loving staff at The Memory Center, Jim Fedor of Holy Family Catholic Church; and her best friends for over sixty years, Pat Harp and Violet Forrest and their husbands, Reno and Bob.

The family will receive visitors at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, 1264 N. Great Neck Rd., Virginia Beach, on Monday, August 29, 2016, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A Catholic Sacramental Mass will be held at Church of the Holy Family Catholic Church, 1279 N. Great Neck Rd., Virginia Beach on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at Princess Anne Memorial Park, 1110 N. Great Neck Rd. There will be a reception at the Broad Bay Country Club, 2120 Lords Landing, Virginia Beach, immediately following interment.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in her name to The Norfolk Sports Club Scholarship Foundation. Online condolences can be left at www.hollomon-brown.com.

Goodbye Mama, Nanny, Friend! Goodbye Megs!