Ellen Cunningham

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ELLEN IRENE CUNNINGHAM (Clark)
1943 - 2015

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of our beautiful, vivacious mom, daughter, auntie, sister, grandmother and friend. Mom passed away the morning of April 7, 2015 at Boundary Trails Health Centre.

Mom was born in Ste Rose du Lac. She was predeceased by her biological parents, Sidney and Joan Clark and her husband, James Cunningham. At the age of twelve she was placed in the care of Langley and Marion Jones. She attended Nelson McIntyre Collegiate and worked a short while at Eaton’s and Manitoba Telephone System in Winnipeg. She married Jim Cunningham in 1962 and in 1970 with their two daughters, they moved to Thompson, Manitoba. During her 35 years in she worked for Inco Ltd., the Mystery Lake School Division, Awasis Agency and Child and Family Services. She developed many working relationships and was "mom" to more than a few. After retirement, she enjoyed many days at their cabin in Paint Lake. She found tranquility in gardening, quilting and fishing off the dock.

Longer summers and shorter winters became a priority with age and in 2005, they moved out of the north to Paradise Village near Ste Anne, Manitoba. In 2014, she became the president of the Paradise Village Association. She took her role and responsibilities seriously and obtained government grants that were instrumental in creating healthy living for seniors. Mom lived her life a free agent that wasn't afraid to be herself. She defended the weak and was a voice for those that couldn't speak. She will be remembered for her iron will, tenacity and passion for any challenge presented to her. She had a magnetic effect on those around her and made friends easily. We have warm memories of when she brought family and friends together for good food, good wine, love and laughs. A card shark, mom could play a wicked game of bridge, whisk or poker. She so looked forward to her game nights at Paradise Village.

Mom cherished most her grandchildren. She was their superhero, their champion, their confidant. Now she is their angel. Left to mourn her passing is her mother, Marion Jones, her daughters, Lee Bassett (Wilf Hildebrand) and Elizabeth Cunningham (Darryl Armstrong), her grandsons, Jeremy and Chad Bassett, her granddaughter, Sunny Armstrong, brothers, Jimmy Jones and Sam Clark (Arlene), and many friends, especially those that were near with their love and support over the last few weeks. Also left to mourn their Auntie is Fran Anderson and Marty Brazil (Orville).

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Richer Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Road. We ask that those who attend wear bright colors to honor mom’s spirit. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with mom’s wishes, donations can be made to the KatieCares, 255 13th Street, Winkler, MB R6W 1S5. Please make cheques payable to Winkler Community Foundation, on memo line write Irene Cunningham/Katie’s Cottage.

Fly fast mom, take first class you deserve it. Dad is waiting with open arms, Pounder dog by his side to help lead the way. Text dad and tell him to call his girls when you arrive. Love you to the moon and back.

As published in The Carillon on Apr 08, 2015