I was born May 20, 1950, at Munson in Traverse City. My dad, Lawrence Cunningham, was a butcher by trade and a dairy farmer by choice. My mom, Alyce Lambert-Cunningham, was a registered nurse at Mnson Medical Center. Against conventional theory and against practiced advice, my parents took me home to my three big sisters (Marilyn, Carolyn, and Sharon) and to our family's farm. My entire family loved me and raised me to achieve and exceed expectations.

I grew well and found joy in each day. My sisters grew-up and married and that's how I acquired my 'brothers'. Each couple presented me with nieces and nephews and I truly loved every single one of them! My nieces and nephews grew-up and married and that brought about the next generation; thirty great-nieces and nephews to love. Now some of them have married, giving me five great-grand nieces and nephews.

My dad and my mom preceded me in death as did two of my sisters: Sharon Cunningham-LaMarche and Carolyn Cunningham-Janousek. I've also attended many funerals of life-long friends and adored family members. I remember one Sunday morning when I walked into St. Patrick Church; I pointing to Jesus on the Cross and said, "I know Him". I believe my folks, my sisters, my relatives and my dear friends know Him too.

My 'brother' John and sister, Marilyn Cunningham-St. Germain, live in Grand Ledge, Michigan. I lived there too - for almost twenty years. My parents hoped that I would live with family all of my life and their wish came true. I lived my final years in Interlochen with my niece and nephews.

I certainly did achieve and exceed expectations, thanks to an assortment of amazing people and opportunities. My advocates at home, at Grand Traverse Industry, at Community Mental Health, and my doctors helped me adjust to my personal changes once dementia took hold. Together we were able to temporarily restrain the invader's gains and though I fought hard; I waned. I died in my Interlochen home, covered in an afghan my mom crocheted. My caring family and my kindest friends were with me during my transition on Monday, August 27, 2012.

My funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City with visitation starting at noon on Saturday, September 1, followed by a procession to Memorial Gardens, and concluding with a dinner. Donations in my memory are welcomed to Grand Traverse Industry. My family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Please sign my online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com