Mary Cunningham

Mary Ellen Cunningham left this earthly life to join her Lord and Savior on Aug. 23, 2009. She was born July 3, 1921, in Escanaba, Michigan. Mary Ellen graduated from St. Anthony College of Nursing in 1943, in Rockford, Illinois. She truly loved her profession and retired in 1991. Over the years, she served as a Eucharistic Minister and worked with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She was a member of the Classic's Women's Club and the "Sunday to Sunday" Scripture Study. She is preceded in death by her husband, Newton Cunningham, and four brothers. Surviving members of her family include three children, Patricia Elias and husband Chris, the Rev. Paul Cunningham and wife Robin all of Oklahoma City, and Newt Cunningham and wife Colleen of Sacramento, Calif.; her sister, Kathleen Pearson of Green Bay, Wis.; eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Family, friends and neighbors were blessed to have known her. She was a devout "prayer warrior" throughout her life. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.