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Eleanor Cunningham Obituary
September 15, 1918 - April 15, 2016
On April 15th, Eleanor passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side following a brief illness. Eleanor was born to Agnes and John Meyers in Chicago, IL.. She met John Cunningham (Jack) in 1936 and married in 1941. After WWII, they settled down in Chicago to start a family. Their son, Thomas joined their life in November, 1949 which was followed by a move to La Canada, CA in 1959. Their daughter, Patricia entered their life in 1960. Their children became their love of their life. In 1973, they relocated to Santa Barbara where Eleanor became a very active member of the community. Eleanor was an avid artist and joined the Goleta Valley Art Association in 1974. Her beautiful oil paintings were featured on the walls of the Goleta Library throughout the years. In 1976, Eleanor joined C.A.L.M. and was an active member of the auxiliary for over 40 years, received the 2013 Claire Miles Award and even recently attended the last Celebrity Author's luncheon. Jack and Eleanor traveled the world and globe trotted to many continents throughout the world. This November was to be Eleanor and Jack's 75th wedding anniversary. Her contributions and love of life will be sorely missed by her many friends and family.
Eleanor is survived by her beloved husband, Jack, their son, Thomas and Rhonda Cunningham, daughter Patricia and spouse Anthony Nolin, grandsons, Brian Cunningham, Brandon and Nicolas Ventura, and Granddaughter Camille Cunningham (Kowalski)
The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Joseph Frawley for his many years of dedication and assistance in helping the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the C.A.L.M. Auxiliary of Santa Barbara.
On Friday, April 22, at 10am, a funeral mass will be conducted at St. Raphael's Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eleanor Cunningham
6 Entries
Kathy Neesvig
April 15, 2025
Oh Aunt El - I still miss you. I miss not visiting you and Uncle Jack periodically. Ya'll were delightful to be with. When I think about you I think of my Aunt who was beautiful, charming and had a lovely sense of humor. I love you and I miss you.
Kathy Neesvig
Julie Strohman
April 23, 2016
I remember Eleanor as a lovely, kind, sweet woman. My thoughts and prayers are with Patti and her family.
Kathleen Neesvig
April 22, 2016
I so wish I could be there but for numerous reasons, I can not. Aunt El was one of a kind - beautiful, inside and out, funny and fun, talented and a good cook. My thoughts and prayers are with ya'll and my heart bleeds with sorrow with you.
Much love - Kathleen
Leah Carlton
April 21, 2016
Eleanor was elegant, generous, and surprisingly funny. I wish so much I could be with you all tomorrow to honor this fabulous woman! Our love, best wishes and, most of all, our prayers, are with you.
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Kathy Shurtleff
April 21, 2016
Eleanor was an elegant woman; a pleasure to be around!
She'll be missed ( UAL retiree/ Central Coasters)
Andrea Walker
April 21, 2016
Sincerest sympathies from Patti's friends in Alaska. You sounded like a wonderful woman Eleanor.
Andrea & Jim Walker
Marjorie Jordan
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