Barbara Cunningham

Barbara Cunningham (nee Cunningham) passed away peacefully at her home March 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born June 10, 1936, in Evanston, Illinois to James D. and Esther B. Cunningham and grew up in Winnetka. Barb attended high school at New Trier, graduating in 1954. She earned degrees from both Briarcliff Junior College (1956), and Northwestern University (1958) where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

Barb was a vibrant spirit, had an infectious sense of humor and a love of laughter, mostly at her own expense. She made her career as a trusted Realtor in Barrington for over 30 years and was a passionate, lifelong equestrian. Her most cherished moments throughout her childhood involved horses. Riding her bike to the barn every day down a gravel road that was once rural Winnetka, campaigning several horses over the years, riding to hounds with Long Meadow Hunt as a child and later with Fox River Valley Hunt in Barrington Hills. She shared her passion for riding with her children and moved from Northbrook to horse property in Barrington fulfilling her lifelong dream of having horses in her own back yard. 

Barbara is survived by her children, Jim Cunningham, Deborah (Alex) Kremer, Jeanne (Jim) Perry, and Rob (Maggie) Cunningham; grandchildren, Annabel, Oliver, Eloise, and Eliza Perry, Chris, Stephen, and Alex Kremer; and Tim, Tommy, and Anu Cunningham; and former husband and friend, Thomas Cunningham.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, James Dalton Cunningham, Jr.

There will be a Celebration of Life on May 18th 12:00 pm, at the Presbyterian Church of Barrington, 6 Brinker Road, Barrington where she was a beloved Deacon.  A private interment with her family will be at the Winnetka Congregational Church.

Barbara was on the Board of Directors and avid supporter of Walk On Equine Assisted Activities in Barrington and a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to: Walk On Farm Equine Assisted Activities, www.walkonfarm.org; or to HARPS, Hooved Animal Rescue & Protection Society, www.harpsonline.org