Marilyn Cunningham

Marilyn Murray Cunningham, a resident of St Pete's Beach, Florida, formerly of Montclair and raised in Glen Ridge, New Jersey died peacefully on January 20th three weeks before her 84th birthday at her home in Coral Point, St. Pete's Beach Florida. She was 83 years old, and the daughter of Martin J. Murray and Marion E. Murray (nee Harper). Known to her friends as "Lynn" (and "Nana" to her 10 adoring grandchildren), she had a varied and successful career as a community volunteer (Lehigh Valley & Philadelphia, Pa), Airline Attendant for United (Seattle, WA), Real Estate Broker of the Martin Murray Real Estate Company (Montclair, NJ), and Vice President of Chemical Bank (now JP Morgan Chase) Wealth Mgt (Montclair, NJ). Despite breaking barriers as a professional woman in business, she raised four successful children.

Lynn spent her childhood being social and playing sports, particularly tennis - her absolute favorite. As a graduate of Glen Ridge High School, and Centenary College, she was known for her "flashing, bright smile" and having a "peppy, out-going manner." She was also known to be funny with a witty sense of humor that her grandchildren loved. She travelled extensively with her family - Bermuda and Florida in particular, but really enjoyed summertimes at the Jersey Shore.

Lynn was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Florida and New Jersey Chapters and was proud of her family's ancestry. Her mother Marion Harper's family was a founding Trustee of Rutgers University (Queen's College), and her father, Martin Murray was a Private First Class in World War II, Purple Heart, having landed on the shores of Normandy and fought at the Battle of the Bulge.

Lynn was a Presbyterian (formally a member of Grace Presbyterian Church of Montclair) and strongly believed in the power of Prayer, the Bible and dignity to all persons - family, friends and community. Her faith over the last two years and three really important prayers, provided great comfort and support.

Lynn had incredible staying power and resilience. Having been diagnosed with lung cancer fall of 2021, she was determined to see, and follow many successes of her grandchildren in competitive sports and higher education. Like Lynn and her father, her children and grandchildren fought hard for their successes, and she was a great supporter in their efforts. She loved every single one of her grandchildren as if each were the only one. Lastly, Lynn loved her soul mate and love of her life - Don Lester of over 30 years. They travelled everywhere together and were married in St. Johns with her family by her side. Don did any and everything she ever asked of him, and they were a perfect match.

She was predeceased by parents Martin J. Murray and Marion Edith Harper Murray, and her sister Martha Hemion Howland Lardone.

Lynn is survived by her loving husband, Don Lester, of St. Pete's Beach, FL; sister Susan Murray Adkins, and husband Ennis Adkins, San Antonio, TX and her children: Peter Harper Cunningham, and wife Jen J. Cunningham, of Hoboken, NJ; Susan Shuart Cunningham Fader, and husband Keith Fader of Margate, NJ; Amy Elizabeth Cunningham Berghold, and husband David Berghold, of Bozeman, MT; and James Allen Cunningham, and wife Erin I. Cunningham of Middletown, NJ.

Also surviving Nana are her 10 grandchildren, her pride and joy: Christian Harper Cunningham; Cathryn Joan Cunningham; Kyle L. Fader, Ryan L. Fader, Alexandra C. Fader; Connor Cloud Devine, Brenna L. Berghold; Jack Cunningham, Chloe Cunningham, Zoe Cunningham.

In the years to come, they will all draw inspiration from Nana's wonderful example of humor, faith and service.