Laura Jean Cunningham Newman

CUNNINGHAM NEWMAN Laura Jean Cunningham Newman passed away June 30, 2011. Born January 16, 1952, in Bothell, Washington, to Jim and Norma Jean Cunningham, Laura was the first born of five Cunningham children. Her passing has left a void for her loved ones that cannot be filled. Laura grew up mostly in Arcata and attended local schools. She touched the lives of many people in her roles as daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a positive influence in the lives of many neglected children in Humboldt County through her dedicated work as a foster parent. She would say, however, that her greatest role in life was as mother of Alex, Sarah, Kenneth, Angelina, Austin and Juan. Laura loved creating beautiful things. She was an accomplished seamstress and made many, many outfits for family and friends, from casual clothes to formal gowns to dance and Halloween costumes. She made beautiful works of art using her quilting skills and loved attending quilting class with her mother. No sewing project was too difficult for Laura and her workmanship was unequaled. She was a Past Honored Queen of Bethel No. 116, International Order of Job's Daughters, Arcata; a member of Arcata Chapter No. 207, Order of the Eastern Star; and a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientists, Arcata. She is survived by her six children Alex Newman; Sarah Jackson and her husband Erik Jackson; Kenneth Newman; Angelina Newman; Austin Newman; and Juan Newman; grandchildren Lea and David Jackson; brother Randy Cunningham and his wife Diane; sister Bridget Dory; sister Claire Ajina and her husband Haider; mothers-in-law Grandma Carol Newman and Grandma Hazel Newman; nieces and nephews Nyle, Zaid, Hadi and Alia Ajina; Camille Zazou; Christopher and Mariel Dory; Jason and Dustin McMenamin; Caitlin Horn; foster-daughter Patrice San Nicolas and her daughters Genevieve and Aza; and many others who considered her family. She was preceded in death by her father Jim, her mother Norma Jean, her sister Cynthia, her ex-husband Douglas Newman and his father, Grandpa Pete Newman. In Laura's relaxed style, a potluck memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. at Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Road, Arcata. Please bring a favorite dish to share. Thank you to all in the community who have supported the family in this difficult time. The outpouring of love and kindness has made the last few weeks easier to bear. A special thank you to the Laurel Tree School community; your kindness, wonderful meals & play-dates will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newman Children's Fund, Coast Central Credit Union, 1968 Central Avenue, McKinleyville, CA 95519. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.