Beverly Ruth Cunningham

Beverly Ruth Cunningham, 87, died on Saturday, August 5th, at Glendale Nursing Home. Bev was born on April 15, 1930 in Schenectady, NY, and was the daughter of the late James and Ruth (Trumball) Bates. She attended the Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake School District and was active in music, sports and Girl Scouts, and graduated in 1948. Following graduation, Bev worked at General Electric. After raising her family, she later worked as a teaching assistant and library aide at Charlton Heights Elementary School. Throughout her life, Bev was very active in the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church. The choir was her particular love (she was a member for over 50 years); the choir members a second family, but she also served on various committees, worked on Rotary dinners, and was an enthusiastic participant in Bible and related studies. Bev was involved in many musical organizations, among them the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, Thursday Musical Club, Schenectady Light Opera Company and the Saratoga -Potsdam Choral Institute. She was always concerned for members of her community, driving for Meals on Wheels for many years, involved in Concerned for the Hungry, among others. She was a voracious reader, always striving to broaden her knowledge. A favorite contributor to that education was Union College's Academy for Lifelong Learning Program. Bev was an unabashed "Dog Lady". She was active in the Saratoga Kennel Club, agility classes & competitions, visiting nursing homes, hospital psychiatric units and schools, with exhibitions and puppies! Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties) were her main passion, but Orion the Saluki held a special place in her heart. Bev was predeceased by her son, Jeffrey Cunningham; her two sisters, Patricia Kenyon and Mary Bush; and her brother, James Bates Jr. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bernard Cunningham; her daughter, Maureen (Craig) Hodgson; sons, Gary (Barb) Cunningham, John Cunningham and Matthew Cunningham; grandchildren, Gillian Hodgson, Caitlin (Chad) Kane, Ariel Cunningham, Travis Cunningham and Alex Cunningham; great-grandson, Miles Esmann; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 25, at 11 a.m. at the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church. Interment will be private at Sweetman Cemetery, Charlton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the "Music Fund" of the BHUMC. The family wishes to thank the staff of Union Station, Glendale Nursing Home, for their gentle, loving care. And for their senses of humor! P.S. She was the very, very, very best Mom ever! The family has placed their trust in the loving care of the Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, and they encourage you to view and leave messages on Bev's Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com.