Barbara Cunningham

Barbara Cunningham: A Life Well Lived Barbara Cunningham, a fiercely independent and adventurous spirit whose life spanned 94 years, passed away quietly in her Redford Township home on October 12, 2025. A lifelong Detroiter, Barbara's zest for life left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and community.
A Dedication to Detroit and Career Born in Detroit, Barbara was the daughter of Josephine and Thomas Cunningham. She graduated from St. Theresa High School before earning her degree from the University of Colorado. She then returned home to begin a distinguished and pioneering career in the General Motors legal department, where she worked from 1950 until her retirement in 1986.
An Athlete, Traveler, and Enthusiast Barbara truly embraced the phrase "live life to the fullest." She was a talented athlete, a champion skier whose heart belonged to Boyne Mountain, where she shared countless ski weekends and formed a loyal group of friends. She reminisced about dancing on the Boblo boats and her teenage carpools up north to ski. Even in her nineties, she maintained her active lifestyle, regularly participating in exercise classes at the YMCA. An avid outdoorswoman, she also loved golf, tennis, and sailing.
Her adventurous spirit extended to world travel; Barbara explored every continent except Antarctica. She cherished her trips with the GM travel club, but her independence meant she was never hesitant to embark on a solo journey. Her favorite drink was a dry Manhattan up with a twist. She loved getting a good hamburger or a fish sandwich at Sandy's by the Beech.
A passionate supporter of the arts and Detroit institutions, Barbara held a governing membership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Zoo, and Greenfield Village.
A Commitment to Community Barbara was a generous and dedicated volunteer throughout her life, giving her time to organizations across the city, including St. Patrick's Senior Center, Belle Isle, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Detroit Public Library. Her faith was also a cornerstone of her life, and she was an active member of St. Valentine's Catholic Church.
Family Barbara was predeceased by her brother, James Cunningham. She is survived by her devoted niece and nephew, Anne Buckley (Ron) and Andrew Cunningham (Elizabeth). She was a cherished great-aunt to Aaron Cunningham, Ellie Cunningham, Jay Buckley, Adam Buckley, and Parker Buckley.
Barbara's remarkable energy, independence, and dedication to her passions and her city will be deeply missed. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara, please visit our floral store.