Ellen Frances Cunningham

Ellen Frances Cunningham, 76, of Rockaway Beach, New York, passed away on February 1, 2026, in Naples, Florida, after a brief battle with glioblastoma.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Naples, Florida, on February 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. A memorial reception will follow at noon at Cedar Hammock Country Club, and all who knew and loved Ellen are warmly welcome to attend.

Ellen was born on July 23, 1949, in Valley Stream, New York, to Dr. Vincent and Anne Cunningham. She attended Stella Maris High School and graduated in 1966. She went on to earn her nursing degree from St. Joseph's College of Nursing in Syracuse, New York, in 1969 and later completed her master's degree through New York University.

Ellen devoted her professional life to nursing, a vocation she approached with skill, calm, and deep compassion. She began her career at Lenox Hill Hospital in 1969 as a critical care nurse in the emergency department, where she worked until 1984. She then transitioned to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at NYU Medical Center, later continuing her work in radiology, until her retirement in 2008. Caring for others was not simply her profession - it was central to who she was.

Outside of her career, Ellen built a life defined by curiosity, connection, and shared joy-most especially with her husband, John. Together, they were true partners, a team who approached life side by side with enthusiasm, humor, and deep affection. Whether at home or traveling, Ellen and John delighted in experiencing the world together and with those they loved.

Ellen was deeply engaged in her community and believed in staying active-physically, intellectually, and socially. She practiced yoga, played golf, mahjong, cards, canasta, and pickleball, and took great pride in achieving a hole-in-one, a moment she celebrated with characteristic joy and well-earned pride. Through golf, Ellen formed a devoted group of women she lovingly called "her girls," friendships that brought her enormous joy.

Early in her nursing career, Ellen spent time in Kenya, Africa, participating in training programs for nurses pursuing advanced degrees-an experience that reflected both her professional excellence and her global outlook. Travel remained a lifelong passion, one she and John shared fully, creating memories with friends and family that were as meaningful as they were joyful.

An avid reader and proud library cardholder, Ellen was always eager to recommend a good book. Summers spent in Long Beach Island with her nieces were among her happiest times, filled with laughter, shared meals, and long, unhurried days by the shore. She took great pride in her Irish heritage and cherished holidays and gatherings, welcoming family with warmth, generosity, and an open heart. Ellen was blessed with a close-knit extended family, and some of her fondest memories were spent with her Cunningham cousins-moments filled with laughter, storytelling, and the easy comfort of lifelong connection.

Above all, Ellen found her greatest joy in the people she loved. Her nieces and great-nieces brought her immense happiness, and she treasured being present for their lives. She embraced family not through labels, but through steadfast care, loyalty, and love-creating a sense of belonging that will endure.

Ellen is survived by her beloved husband, John Martino; her sisters, Maureen McNamee and Barbara Cunningham (Thomas Jacobs); her nieces, Cristen Drudy (Kevin) and Katherine McNamee (Hans Jensen); her great-nieces, Kelly Anne Drudy and Erin Harte Drudy; and by Robin Marino (Michael Baum) and her children, Thomas Marino and Olivia Marino; Denise Azrilen (Gary); and Marilyn Albino, all of whom were deeply loved and held a cherished place in her life and heart. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Vincent and Anne Cunningham.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Avow Hospice for their expert care, compassion, and extraordinary kindness during a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider a gift to the Glioblastoma Foundation in Ellen's memory (link below):

https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate