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Bethany Cunningham Obituary

BETHANY ANNE CUNNINGHAM, 21 MONTHS BELVIDERE - Bethany Anne Cunningham, 21 months old, died peacefully Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, in Rockford Memorial Hospital, with her Mama, Daddy and loving family holding her. Bethany was born on April 25, 2007, in Rockford, the daughter of Sean H. and Katy L. (VanAcker) Cunningham. Bethany loved to dance, kick and make noises. She enjoyed playing with Play-Doh, finger painting and playing with her musical toys. Bethany, thank you for being in our lives for this short time. Your spirit to survive and beat the odds was remarkable. You will be greatly missed, with love, Mama and Daddy, Sean and Katy Cunningham; grandparents, Barbara and Ken Cunningham of Cherry Valley and Paul and Vicki Van-Acker of Belvidere; aunts and uncles, Keith and Erica VanAcker, Kimberly VanAcker, Shannon and Jon Frazier, Sheldon and Teresa Cunningham; cousins, Emma, Landon, Erin, Brian, Allison and Krystal; great-grandmother, Marilyn Vieth. Bethany's family who have gone on before her includes great-grandparents, Richard Vieth, Jim and Tillie Van-Acker, Harold and Pat Hammond, Fannie Taylor; and great-uncle, John VanAcker. Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, in St. James Catholic Church, 514 Caswell St., Belvidere, with the Rev. Brian Geary, pastor, celebrating. Visitation from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, in Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere; with Rosary recited at 4 p.m. A memorial foundation will be established in Bethany's memory and monetary gifts can be directed in care of her family. To light a candle or to share a memory, please visit buckwheelerhyland.com.

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

Published by Rockford Register Star from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Heather Bowers

February 5, 2009

I will definitely remember Bethany for her energy, and how we all knew when she was awake and playing! Praying for comfort, strength, peace, and anything else you may need!

Jenny Beier

February 5, 2009

I feel honored to have been able to help take care of this wonderful little girl! She touched all of our hearts, as did her amazing parents. My favorite memory is when we just saw her in clinic and she was making all of us laugh with her "peek-a-boo". My heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to her wonderful family.

stephanie fentry

February 5, 2009

you and your family are in my prayers love you both

Cindy Budek

February 4, 2009

Bethany was such a special little girl. She warmed hearts and brought joy to so many people. My heartfelt prayers for comfort and peace go to her parents and family.

Danette,RN CMH 9 West

February 4, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bethany was very lucky to have such caring and loving parents as you. I am sure she is looking over you as your new GUARDIAN ANGEL!

Canduss Meives- Connell

February 3, 2009

God had his ways of handling things. All we can do is trust in him and keep the memories alive.
Please let me know if my family or I can do anything.

Janet A

February 3, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. May you find comfort in your memories of your little angel.

Lauren Tetzner

February 2, 2009

Katy and Sean, my heart goes out to you. Bethany was a beautiful, sweet and happy little girl and it was a joy to take care of her on 9west. The determined and strong way about her was evident and it was because of you that she was able to enjoy her life for this short time. You two were honestly 2 of the best parents I have ever seen and you did an awesome job with her care. I am so saddened for your loss and hope you know that Bethany is smiling down at you kicking away and grateful for all that you have always done for her. I hope that you can find comfort in the great memories you have, you are forever in my prayers. She will be greatly missed. Love, Lauren, 9 west RN

Kisha Williams

February 2, 2009

I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers, may God keep you in his tender care. Remember that 9 West at Children's will always have you in our hearts. We will forever keep Bethany in our hearts.

Kisha- 9 west RN

Seawood Ronda

February 2, 2009

I am the Unit Secretary @ childrens my prayers go out to Bethany's Mom and Dad and extended Family ask for continous strength and GOD will give it to you.

karen bryant

February 2, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Bethany. We always think about what a good little girl she was despite everything she had been through. Our daughters shared a NICU room with Bethany for 6 weeks. My little Hazel loved when Bethany's mommy came to give her a bath because she would sing! God Bless your family now and always.

Alaina I

February 2, 2009

We are all thinking about you and your family on 9 west! I am so sorry for your loss.

judy hamilton

February 1, 2009

with all our love and prayers for you and bethany. we have been friends of ken and barb since high school. judy and joe hamilton

Charlene Clist

February 1, 2009

Bethany we will miss you....our little angel. Our deepest sympathy to Sean & Katy and to Bethany's grandparents Vickie & Paul and Barbara & Ken. Our prayers are with you all. Love Ev & Char

Tasha Burchett

February 1, 2009

You and your family are in my prayers. I had the honor of taking care of Bethany while she was admitted on our floor at Children's. Bethany was blessed to have loving and caring parents like you.

Anne Gleichman

February 1, 2009

Bethany now flys with the Angels! My God Bless You All.

Huong M

February 1, 2009

I had the pleasure of taking care Bethany at Children's Memorial in Chicago. She will be missed by all here at CMH. My thoughts and prayers go to you all.

Bonnie Reichardt

February 1, 2009

I had the pleasure of being one of Bethany's nurses at Children's Memorial. It was always a pleasure to care for her and sing Rascal Flats songs with her. I loved watching her get so excited every time her mom and dad came for their frequent visits. She was a special little girl, who had an amazingly strong spirit. I miss her and will remember her always.
my thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Linda Colson

January 31, 2009

Katy, Sean, and the whole family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers remain with you all. May God's peace be with you during this difficult time. If there is anything we can do, please let us know, we are always here for you.

Love,
Jason, Linda, Jake, and Becca

SALLY CANTWELL

January 31, 2009

Dear Katy and Sean: My prayers are with you all. Bethany was a wonderful daughter and was blessed to have such a loving family. God bless you.

Sally Cantwell

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