Florence Ingram Cunningham

About

Eastern Washington University

Florence Cunningham Obituary

CUNNINGHAM, Florence

Florence Ingram Cunningham was born on April 26, 1918 in La Grande, Oregon, and died in Seattle, Washington on February 24, 2011 at the age of 92. She grew up Colfax, Washington, and graduated from Eastern Washington University with a teaching degree. In 1949, she came to Kent, Washington to teach, where she met and married Norwood Cunningham on February 3, 1950. Norwood died in August, 1979. Florence is survived by her family, Joel and Amy Cunningham; Brian and his fiancÃ©e, Katie Cogan; her two grandchildren, Erin and Rad Cunningham, and one great-grandchild, Zack Volpi.
Florence loved her cousin, Mary Henry of Spokane, who predeceased her, like a sister. She considered the whole Henry clan to be family. She cherished her summer visits to Hayden Lake at the Henry family compound. Despite moving to Kent, Florence always loved the Palouse country where she grew up.
Florence loved her family and her family loved her. Our best times were sitting around the dinner table at her home in Kent, eating the feel-good meals she cooked. Florence did, however, require conver-sation at the dinner table along with proper manners.
Florence loved books. Her favorite author was P.G. Wodehouse, a British author of many books, plays, and musicals. She loved Wodehouse because he wrote witty, cheerful books. She belonged to the P.G. Wodehouse Society, and became its international president.
Two words best describe Florence: elegance and cheerfulness. She lived as if the old saying "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" was the 11th commandment. She believed there was good in everyone, and it was our job to find it. Mom taught us that we have an obligation in life to leave the world a better place than we found it. You did that, mom.
The Memorial Service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church of Kent, 24447 - 94th Ave. S., Kent, Washington at noon on Friday, March 4, 2011. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the St. James Episcopal Church of Kent, the children's playground fund.

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

Published by Spokesman-Review from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Florence Cunningham

10 Entries

Rob & Vickie Erb

March 6, 2011

Our deepest condolences for your loss. Even though we only met her a very few times, she was one of those persons that was hard to forget.

Pete Curran

March 5, 2011

Dear Cunningham children, Our wife/mom Pat Curran so enjoyed the walks that Florence and her walking friends would go on. Our sympathy to all of you for your loss. Pete Curran and family

John Henry

March 4, 2011

I too have fond memories of visiting Florence and reminiscing about Colfax and her trips regarding her interest in P.G. Wodehouse who wrote the song, "Just Plain Bill". I was visiting her and Brian a few years ago and witnessed the most beautiful moon eclipse I had ever seen. I will always have good memories of Florence. Best wishes to the family in this time of sorrow.

Kent & Patty Sturgis

March 3, 2011

Florence was a graceful, gracious woman with keen wit and intelligence who lit up a room when she entered it. Our hearts go out to those who are suffering her loss.

"Roon"

March 2, 2011

What a gem. The kindest, sweetest and most sincere woman on the planet. I have a lot of memories growing up and spending time at the Cunningham house with her, Norwood, and Brian. Can't leave out Mac either. I have memories of her stories about all the books on her shelf in their living room. Yes lots of Wodehouse and many others as well. Always cheerful, supportive, and upbeat. I am very thankful for having met such a wonderful woman.
God Bless.

Leota Gregory

February 28, 2011

My mom, Nellie Joiner, and I drove school bus when Norwood was our supervisor and through him met his beautiful wife, Florence. She was always the most gracious wonderful person I had ever met. Mom spoke of Florence often in words of love and friendship. God Bless you, her family, during this time of sorrow.
Leota Joiner Gregory

Lynn Farman Babcock

February 28, 2011

I worked with your Mother at St James in the Day School, and considered her a friend. She was a wonderful person, and always so gracious to everyone. I also knew your Dad at KM worked in his office while in high school, your Mom and I had lots to talk about. She will be greatly missed.

Jody Goodwin

February 27, 2011

I just wanted to let you know what a great neighbor your Mom was to me and my children. I have greatly missed her. She made living on Alvord Ave. special.

Jody

February 27, 2011

I just wanted to let you know what a great neighbor your Mom was to me and my children. I have greatly missed her. She made living on Alvord Ave. special.

Jody

Not the best pic - the back of her head - but you can see the joy in my Mum's face to see Mrs. Cunningham honor us as we celebrated my wedding in 08.

Libby Jensen

February 27, 2011

Mrs. Cunningham was a delight and my family will treasure her memory. My mother Dianne Prindible Sando was a child of St. James in the 1950's and Mrs. Cunningham embraced her and her children by attending all of our special St. James events - weddings, baptisims, funerals, etc. My mother took great joy in attending Mrs. Cunningham's 90 birthday and that event gave her a wonderful memory as she told of how Mrs. Cunningham and her family enjoyed each other and what a great lady she was -- Even as my mother grew up, raised a family and retired Mrs. Cunningham was always just Mrs. Cunningham - never called her by her first name because she was such a great lady with grace, charm and class. Her legacy will not be matched as she touched so many lives and made them better. Blessings to you Mrs. Cunningham as you rest. May your family take comfort in your memory.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results