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Catherine Cunningham Obituary
July 1, 1954 - October 18, 2023
In loving memory to a life well-lived, daughter, sister, aunt, friend who will be missed by all who knew her.
Catherine was born to Gerald and Suzanne Cunningham in La Rochelle, France on July 1, 1954. She grew up with her siblings, Jean LaVaud, Daniel LaVaud (Debbie), Thomas Cunningham, Mike Cunningham (Diane) and Patricia Cunningham (Bob). She was blessed with many nephews and nieces, (Nicole LaVaud), (Darren, Dustin LaVaud) (Phillip, Jennifer and Michelle Cunningham), (Sean and Scott Cunningham) and (Ryan Cunningham). She enjoyed treasured moments with her family and friends at family get-togethers and the many visits to San Francisco.
After graduating from Highlands High School in Sacramento, Calif., she moved to San Francisco, Calif., where she began her career as a professional/personal assistant and ultimately started her own business, CMC Secretarial Services. She loved to travel and explore cultures and languages. She spoke many languages and easily made friends. She enjoyed gardening, reading, spending time in nature, listening to jazz and playing dominos.
A Mass will be held on January 12, 2024, at 11:00, at St. Robert's Church, 2243 Irvine Way, Sacramento, Calif. 95822. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her favorite organizations, Planned Parenthood, United College Negro Fund or Doctors Without Borders.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Cunningham
Don Hines
December 8, 2025
Oh boy! Sitting here @ the Philosophers Stone, who should stop by: none other than Catherine Cunningham. You punched my elbow and reminded me there are so many good roads to travel. So, yeah, time to get a move on! Be seeing you on the sunny side of the street with love and happiness-ALOHA!!
Michael Yanniello
October 22, 2025
In my thoughts.and in my prayer. Always had a smile on her face. Always cheerul Always a pleasure to be around. Truly an awesome perdon
Michael Yanniello
October 22, 2025
In my thoughts and in prayers. Always had a smile on her face. And was careful and And fun to be around.. A truly awesome person
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Don hines
January 25, 2024
Meeting the Cunningham family was to be a an event worthy a readers digest story. I will always consider myself heavenly blessed in our inclusion into the family network. It was as a bus driver for regional transit when became introduced to Meme, your mom. and would soon realize my daughter Daisy was involved with your nephew Ryan. Not only that but we we were also close in our neighborhood. I dropped her at her stop and mentioned I lived nearby. From that she suggested we might know her grandsons girlfriend who she addressed as Daisy (maybe I said). Shaking my head at this irony I pondered it for the rest of my shift, anxious to ask my daughter if she knew this person who rode my bus route. Wow! sure enough it was true. What an amazing beginning. I now have 2 wonderful beautiful granddaughter who give grace to the Cunningham name. After attending many a Cunningham family function I have come to be ever so grateful in becoming a part of their wonderful family
Donald Hines
January 25, 2024
Easily the most important person recognizing my inner space & needs, her introduction to me to the writer/author Lisa Lutz has given me years of peace and happiness. It gave me the understanding that as people we are meant to share and live within one anothers dreams and silent reverie the irony reflection of human life. Well Catherine here we go off to the Philosophers stone to toss back drink to our latest adventure; cheers!
Susan Lanoza
January 13, 2024
Catherine, we will love you and miss you always. You were a very kind and loving aunt to Phillip. I could not have asked for a better one. With your thoughtful and giving heart, you have set a great moral compass for the younger Cunningham generation who follow you. I will always cherish our time spent together over the years in San Francisco and Sacramento with you. As I think of those moments in time, it brings a smile to my face and memories surface of times of laughter, good wine, great discussions on life, children, family, spirituality, excellent books, NPR, etc. I am so grateful to have spent time with you along this journey of life. In my heart always, Susan
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